mothball
verbEtymology The noun is derived from moth + ball. The verb is derived from the noun.
1
To store (clothing, etc.) with mothballs (noun sense 1).
2
Figuratively To stop using (something), and often to put it in storage; specifically, while keeping it in good condition so it can be used in the future.
Chiefly passive voice
- They mothballed the old version after the new one came out.
- There is already considerable spare primary capacity because the coal is accessible and merely needs the men and machines to get it. We are unaware, however, of the physical and economic possibilities of mothballing pits, or of the extent to which the present surplus capacity of 40 million tons would match the capacity of loss-making pits which one would like to close.1965 October 16, “News and Views: Energy Forecasts for Britain”, in Nature: A Weekly Journal of Science, volume 208, number 5007, London: Macmillan (Journals); New York, N.Y.: St. Martin’s Press, →OCLC, page 229, column 2:
4 more examples
- Following the war, along with the inevitable sharp reduction of forces, including the "mothballing" of a considerable part of the fleet as an inactive reserve, there were a few important developments affecting the navy.1967, Robert G[reenhalgh] Albion, “United States. [33. Navy.]”, in The Encyclopedia Americana […], international edition, volume 27 (Trace to Venial Sin), New York, N.Y.: Americana Corporation, →OCLC, page 709, column 2:
- Years later, he [Walter Simonson] characterized the company's behavior as "abrupt, rude, and disrespectful," and railed against the mothballing of veteran creators.2012, Sean Howe, chapter 16, in Marvel Comics: The Untold Story, New York, N.Y.: Harper, →ISBN:
- Some schools might have an art studio, an area of forestry in the playground, or a performance stage in the hall – all exceptional assets. Just check they get plenty of use and aren't mothballed while the school concentrates on (you guessed it) maths and literacy.2014 September 23, a teacher [pseudonym], “Choosing a primary school: a teacher’s guide for parents”, in Alan Rusbridger, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 26 Jul 2025:
- In the short term NR [National Rail] could well mothball the line given its lack of traffic.2021 March 10, Paul Shannon, “Freight’s New Gateways Score Highly on Location and Layout”, in Rail, number 926, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Bauer Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 34:
3
Figuratively To stop work on (a plan, project, etc.) for the time being; to postpone, to shelve.
Chiefly passive voice
- The fact that the START Treaty has just been signed is reason enough not to build one rail garrison train before mothballing the project.1991 September 26, [Carl] Levin, “Department of Defense Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 1992”, in Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 102d Congress, First Session (United States Senate), volume 137, part 17, Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 24260, column 3:
- Derived terms
- demothball, mothballed, mothballer, mothballing, unmothball