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

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

This burger is made with Certified Angus Beef, blue cheese, hot sauce, ranch and fresh watercress. —Aly Walansky, Forbes, 13 Mar. 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