Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
mothball
noun / verb
/ˈmɔːθbɔːl/
Definition
A small spherical ball made of naphthalene or a similar substance, used to protect clothing and other fabrics from moths and other insects.
Examples
- She placed the winter clothes in a box and added mothballs to keep them safe.
- After years of disuse, they decided to mothball the old factory.
Meaning
The term ‘mothball’ can also refer to putting something into storage or to suspend an operation temporarily.
Synonyms
- preserve
- store
- retire
