broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbrä-kə-lē 

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

Either version gives the chicken a deep, smoky heat that’s balanced out by the briny green olives and lightly caramelized broccoli. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

There are savory options, too, courtesy of Viera: broccoli hot pockets and Calabrian cheese rolls, for example, as well as a gloriously dripping, flavorful, must-have egg and bacon sandwich on an English muffin. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025

Hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, this vegan capsule also contains broccoli sprout concentrate and trans-resveratrol to supercharge your supplement routine. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 8 June 2025

The basket is full of corn, red bell peppers, broccoli, and much more—all signs that spring has sprung and summer veggies are ready for the picking. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 29 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing broccoli

• broccoli raab
• broccoli rab
• broccoli rabe
• sprouting broccoli

Kids Definition

broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbräk-(ə-)lē 

: an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable