okra

noun

ˈō-krə How to pronounce okra (audio)
 Southern also  -krē
1
: a tall annual herb (Abelmoschus esculentus) of the mallow family that is cultivated for its mucilaginous green pods used especially in soups or stews
also : the pods of this plant
2

Examples of okra 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.
Timing is key for having a delicious and successful okra harvest. Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025 An employee-run herb garden provides the hotels’ restaurants with basil, chili, kaffir lime, okra, spring onions, and edible flowers. Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Tea, zucchini, broccoli, okra, and eggplant also contain some chlorogenic acids. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025 In the clip, chef Fabio Viviani, a Top Chef alum and Italian restaurateur, was unimpressed by one of the challenge’s ingredients: okra. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for okra

Word History

Etymology

of African origin; akin to Ibo ókùrù okra

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of okra was in 1679

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Okra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/okra. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

okra

noun
: a tall herb related to the hollyhocks and grown for its edible green pods which are used especially in soups and stews
also : these pods

More from Merriam-Webster on okra

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