mothball

[ˈmɒθbɔːl]

mothball Definition

  • 1a small ball or lump of a strongly scented substance put among clothes or other materials to repel moths
  • 2to stop using something for a period of time, often because it is no longer practical or useful

Using mothball: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mothball" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I had to put all my winter clothes in mothballs to keep them safe.

  • Example

    The project was mothballed due to lack of funding.

  • Example

    The company decided to mothball the old factory and build a new one.

mothball Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for mothball

Phrases with mothball

  • in mothballs

    not being used or active, but kept in reserve for possible future use

    Example

    The old fighter planes were put in mothballs after the war.

  • a collection of decommissioned naval vessels that are kept in reserve for possible future use

    Example

    The mothball fleet is maintained by the US Navy in case of emergency.

  • to stop working on a plan or project, but keep it in reserve for possible future use

    Example

    The company is mothballing its expansion plans until the market improves.

Origins of mothball

from the practice of storing clothes with balls of chemical compounds that repel moths

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Summary: mothball in Brief

The term 'mothball' [ˈmɒθbɔːl] refers to a small ball of scented substance used to repel moths from clothes. It also means to stop using something for a period of time, often because it is no longer practical or useful. 'Mothball' extends into phrases like 'in mothballs,' denoting something not being used or active but kept in reserve, and 'mothball fleet,' referring to decommissioned naval vessels kept in reserve.