mushroom

[ˈmʌʃruːm]

mushroom Definition

  • 1a fungal growth that typically takes the form of a domed cap on a stalk, with gills on the underside of the cap
  • 2a pale pinkish-brown color
  • 3to expand or grow rapidly

Using mushroom: Examples

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

  • Example

    The forest floor was covered in mushrooms of all shapes and sizes.

  • Example

    She sautéed some mushrooms to add to the pasta sauce.

  • Example

    The cloud mushroomed into a huge shape as it rose into the sky.

  • Example

    The company's profits have mushroomed in recent years.

mushroom Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mushroom

Phrases with mushroom

  • a distinctive large, mushroom-shaped cloud of smoke, dust, and debris following an explosion

    Example

    The atomic bomb created a massive mushroom cloud over the city.

  • mushroom head

    a hairstyle where the hair is cut short on the sides and back and left longer on top, styled to resemble a mushroom cap

    Example

    He used to have a mushroom head when he was a kid.

  • mushrooming effect

    a phenomenon where something grows or expands rapidly and uncontrollably

    Example

    The success of the first store led to a mushrooming effect, with dozens of new locations opening up across the country.

Origins of mushroom

from Old French 'mousseron', from Late Latin 'musurionem', meaning 'mushroom'

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Summary: mushroom in Brief

A 'mushroom' [ˈmʌʃruːm] can refer to a type of fungus with a domed cap and gills, or a pale pinkish-brown color. It can also mean to expand or grow rapidly, as in 'The company's profits have mushroomed in recent years.' Phrases like 'mushroom cloud' and 'mushrooming effect' extend the term to describe a distinctive large cloud of smoke following an explosion or a phenomenon where something grows rapidly and uncontrollably.

How do native speakers use this expression?