Meaning & use
a toadstool
Last updated
“a toadstool” is a form of “toadstool”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nouncountable
A fungus with a round top and a thin stem, especially one that is poisonous or not edible.
Grammar: Countable: a toadstool, two toadstools. Often used in fairy tales or when warning about poisonous mushrooms.
Patterns
- a toadstool
- toadstools in the grass
- poisonous toadstool
We saw a bright red toadstool with white spots in the forest.
Never eat a toadstool; many are poisonous.
The children were told not to touch the toadstools growing near the path.
Word forms
| plural | toadstools |
|---|
Common combinations
- poisonous toadstool
- That poisonous toadstool can make you very sick.
- red toadstool
- The red toadstool stood out against the green moss.
- a patch of toadstools
- A patch of toadstools grew under the old oak tree.
Synonyms and how they differ
- mushroom
- A general word for any fungus with a stem and cap; 'toadstool' often suggests it is poisonous or not for eating.
- fungus
- A broader scientific term that includes molds, yeasts, and mushrooms; 'toadstool' is a specific shape.
Word family
- toadstool-like adjective
- Resembling a toadstool in shape.
Commonly confused: a toadstool or mushroom?
a toadstool vs mushroom
Mushroom is the general term, often for edible ones; toadstool usually means a poisonous or inedible fungus.
Practice
Many people believe that a ______ is always poisonous, but some are just inedible.
Choose one answer.
'Toadstool' is the noun for the fungus. 'Toad' is an animal, 'stool' is a seat, and 'toadstool's' is possessive, which does not fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a toadstool”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.