What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fungus
Example
The fungus grew rapidly in the moist environment. [fungus: noun]
Example
She was diagnosed with a fungal infection on her skin. [fungal: adjective]
mushroom
Example
I added some sliced mushrooms to the pasta sauce. [mushrooms: noun]
Example
The hiker found some wild mushrooms growing in the forest. [mushrooms: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mushroom is more commonly used than fungus in everyday language, especially in culinary contexts. Fungus is more commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fungus and mushroom?
Fungus is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its scientific and medical associations, while mushroom can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in culinary settings.
