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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But some, like brussels sprouts, have a tad more than others—three grams per one cup serving in this case. Audrey Bruno, SELF, 4 Nov. 2024 The brussels sprouts will be roasted simply with olive oil…and balsamic vinegar. Joe Sevier, Bon Appétit, 14 Oct. 2024 Crispy brussels sprouts, spinach-artichoke dip, and sweet-potato fries (along with salad) are now standard fare at national chains such as Applebee’s, Olive Garden, and Cheesecake Factory. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2024 Pair with a wiener schnitzel and brussels sprouts, or a dark vegetarian chop suey. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 29 Sep. 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

Dictionary Entries Near brussels sprout

Cite this Entry

“Brussels sprout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brussels%20sprout. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on brussels sprout

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