rutabaga

noun

ru·​ta·​ba·​ga ˌrü-tə-ˈbā-gə 

ˌru̇-,

-ˈbe-;

ˈrü-tə-ˌbā-,

ˈru̇-,

-ˌbe-

: a turnip (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) that usually produces a large yellowish root that is eaten as a vegetable

also : the root

Examples of rutabaga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stock up on cold-hardy vegetables like kale, carrots, spinach, rutabaga, daikon, cauliflower, leeks, and parsnips and use them in hearty winter dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Nov. 2024

This silky, smooth roasted vegetable soup calls on the heroes of the root cellar—namely sweet potatoes, rutabagas, and parsnips. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2024

Larger rutabagas are especially pungent, making smaller rutabagas a better choice for raw consumption. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2024

Hold back on gathering carrots, turnips, rutabagas, beets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Swedish dialect rotabagge, from rot root + bagge bag

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rutabaga

noun

ru·​ta·​ba·​ga ˌrüt-ə-ˈbā-gə 

ˌru̇t-,

-ˈbeg-ə

: a turnip with a large yellowish root that is eaten as a vegetable

also : the root