brussels sprout

noun

brus·​sels sprout ˈbrə-səl- How to pronounce brussels sprout (audio)
variants or Brussels sprout
plural brussels sprouts or Brussels sprouts
1
: a plant (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) related to the cabbage and cauliflower that is cultivated for its edible small roundish green buds which are borne on its stem and resemble miniature cabbages
2
: any of the edible green buds that are borne on the stems of brussels sprouts, consist of tightly overlapping immature leaves, and are typically cooked as a vegetable

Illustration of brussels sprout

Illustration of brussels sprout
  • brussels sprout 1

Examples of brussels sprout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Detroit-style pizza features unexpected combinations, like brussels sprouts and caramelized onions, and chili crisp and meatballs. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025 The straight blade is excellent for shaving veggies for salad, particularly radishes, brussels sprouts, or fennel. Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025 But please leave tuna, brussels sprouts, and other stinky food at home. Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2025 In a sweet series of videos shared to his Instagram Stories, Harris showed off the family of four's dinner, which featured delicious-looking lamb chops, crabs, brussels sprouts, a mushroom tart and cheesy potato dauphinoise. Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for brussels sprout

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brussels sprout was in 1796

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Cite this Entry

“Brussels sprout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brussels%20sprout. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

brussels sprout

noun
brus·​sels sprout ˌbrəs-əl- How to pronounce brussels sprout (audio)
often capitalized B
: one of the edible small green heads that grow on the stem of a plant related to the cabbage
also : this plant

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