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

The highest fiber-rich vegetables are green peas, broccoli, turnip greens, and Brussels sprouts. —Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 11 July 2025

Foods to Eat Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are rich in many nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins C, E, and K, folate, and carotenoids. —Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025

There were crackers and plain, overcooked broccoli to eat with the hummus. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 8 July 2025

Also, there were crackers and plain, overcooked broccoli to eat with the hummus. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 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