brussels sprout

noun

brus·​sels sprout ˈbrə-səl- 

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

• brussels sprout 1

Examples of brussels sprout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

How is the pesticide used? DCPA is used to control weeds on crops like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

brussels sprout

noun

brus·​sels sprout ˌbrəs-əl- 

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