watercress

noun

wa·​ter·​cress ˈwȯ-tər-ˌkres 

ˈwä-

1

: any of several aquatic or semiaquatic cresses

especially : a perennial cress (Nasturtium officinale) native to Europe and southwestern Asia that is naturalized in the U.S. and has leaves used especially in salads or as a potherb

2

: the leaves of a watercress

Examples of watercress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His version is a celebration of color, with magenta radicchio, orange carrots, golden mango, pale green cabbage and verdant watercress or spring greens. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025

There’s nothing better than pairing this wine with a plate of steak, peach, and watercress salad. —Elisabetta Tosi, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

So, what are some healthy yet delicious ways to work watercress into your diet? —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024

The fun starts with a parade led by the Watercress King and Queen, who wear their watercress crowns and hand out the season’s first harvest. —Naomi Tomky, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for watercress

• abs
• acquiesce
• ancestress
• authoress
• coalesce
• decompress
• dispossess
• faithfulness
• letterpress
• mayoress
• murderess
• nonetheless

Kids Definition

watercress

noun

wa·​ter·​cress -ˌkres 

: a plant that is related to the mustards and the cabbage, grows especially in clear running water, and has crisp peppery-tasting leaves used especially in salads

also : the leaves of a watercress