broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbrä-kə-lē 

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

From the bands that grocers use to keep broccoli stalks together, to resistance bands which are used for fitness and physical therapy, colorful rubber bands for crafting, oversized bands for industrial use and specialty bands which can be used for do-it-yourself projects such as tie-dye. —Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2025

And according to reporters traveling with the president, the group dined on vegetable spring rolls, eggplant and avocado salad, canelloni stuffed with broccoli and tofu, and apple crumble tart served with vanilla ice cream for dessert. —Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2025

Eating broccoli regularly may help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2025

Cool-season crops like carrots, cabbage, lettuce, radishes, and broccoli can be sown in both spring and fall. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing broccoli

• broccoli raab
• broccoli rab
• broccoli rabe
• sprouting broccoli

Kids Definition

broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbräk-(ə-)lē 

: an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable