broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbrä-kə-lē How to pronounce broccoli (audio)
ˈbrä-klē
1
chiefly British : a large hardy cauliflower
2
a
: either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage:
(1)
: one with a thick central stem and a compact head of dense usually green florets that is classified with the cauliflower
(2)
: one (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with slender stems and usually green or purple florets not arranged in a central head
b
: the stems and immature florets of broccoli used as food

Did you know?

A fast-growing, upright, branched, annual plant, broccoli bears dense green clusters of edible flower buds. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, it was introduced to the US probably in colonial times. Broccoli thrives in moderate to cool climates. Its flavor resembles that of cabbage but is somewhat milder. It is one of the most broadly nutritious of all common vegetables and is a plant that is closely related to cabbage in the mustard family.

Examples of broccoli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Finally, broccoli, as a veggie, will contribute some gut-boosting fiber, plus important micronutrients like vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron. Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024 More veggies:Creamy and crunchy, this make-ahead, 8-ingredient broccoli salad is never the wrong choice Questions or comments? Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024 Here’s how to put it toward extra-flavorful baked tofu, a 10-minute broccoli stir-fry, and a cheesy chickpea skillet. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024 Includes whole smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans and broccoli salad, dinner rolls (20); sweet potato, fudge, pecan or pie, iced tea, and BBQ sauce. Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for broccoli 

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of broccolo flowering top of a cabbage, diminutive of brocco small nail, sprout

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of broccoli was in 1699

Dictionary Entries Near broccoli

Cite this Entry

“Broccoli.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broccoli. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

broccoli

noun
broc·​co·​li ˈbräk-(ə-)lē How to pronounce broccoli (audio)
: an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable

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