Definitions

1. noun

a small ball or cylinder of camphor or other substance used to preserve or repel insects, especially moths, from clothing, carpets, etc.

“She stored her winter coat in a trunk with mothballs to keep it from getting damaged by moths.”

2. verb

to preserve or repel insects, especially moths, from something by using mothballs or other substances

“To prevent damage from moths, you should mothball your woolen sweaters before storing them away.”