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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Leafy Greens Eating at least one serving of leafy green vegetables (such as kale, spinach, and broccoli) daily is linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline (losing the ability to think, learn, and remember) in older adults. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025 Attendees were then served Greater Omaha Angus ribeye steak topped with carrots, broccoli, and potato gratin. Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Jan. 2025 Serve with roasted green beans or broccoli and a side of cornbread to finish out the plate. Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025 The sauce, which includes real Parmesan and Romano cheese, a splash of cream, and cornstarch for thickness,steams in a separate bowl under the chicken and broccoli. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025 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 30 Jan. 2025.

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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