broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbrä-kə-lē How to pronounce broccoli (audio)
ˈbrä-klē
1
chiefly British : a large hardy cauliflower
2
a
: either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage:
(1)
: one with a thick central stem and a compact head of dense usually green florets that is classified with the cauliflower
(2)
: one (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with slender stems and usually green or purple florets not arranged in a central head
b
: the stems and immature florets of broccoli used as food

Did you know?

A fast-growing, upright, branched, annual plant, broccoli bears dense green clusters of edible flower buds. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, it was introduced to the US probably in colonial times. Broccoli thrives in moderate to cool climates. Its flavor resembles that of cabbage but is somewhat milder. It is one of the most broadly nutritious of all common vegetables and is a plant that is closely related to cabbage in the mustard family.

Examples of broccoli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Riced Broccoli Like cauliflower, broccoli can be made into a low-carb and paleo-friendly rice substitute. Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2024 These leafy greens are part of the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale. Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2024 And cruciferous veggies like broccoli contain glucosinolates, powerful phytochemicals that help protect and support brain function. Jess Cording, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Hold back on gathering carrots, turnips, rutabagas, beets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for broccoli 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'broccoli.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of broccolo flowering top of a cabbage, diminutive of brocco small nail, sprout

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of broccoli was in 1699

Dictionary Entries Near broccoli

Cite this Entry

“Broccoli.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broccoli. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

broccoli

noun
broc·​co·​li ˈbräk-(ə-)lē How to pronounce broccoli (audio)
: an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable

More from Merriam-Webster on broccoli

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