arugula

noun

aru·​gu·​la ə-ˈrü-gə-lə 

-gyə-

: a yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herb (Eruce sativa synonym E. vesicaria sativa) of the mustard family cultivated for its foliage which is used especially in salads

called also garden rocket, rocket, roquette, rugola

Examples of arugula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nopales, like cruciferous vegetables such as kale, collards, and arugula, are rich in calcium and can help fill this nutrient gap. —Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2025

These could include arugula, spinach, peppers, hearts of palm, carrots, or roasted veggies. —Allison Forsyth, Health, 21 Oct. 2025

Baby arugula can sub out for baby spinach or baby kale. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025

Other members of this healthy group include arugula, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, collard and mustard greens wasabi and watercress. —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, probably from a southern dialectal form of Tuscan ruca, rucola, as Neapolitan arucola, arucolo, with English spelling -gu- reflecting lenis articulation of consonants and reduction of vowels — more at rocket entry 1

Note: For similar reflection in English spelling of southern Italian articulation compare agita, goombah. Forms with the initial ēr- of the Latin etymon ērūca "arugula, Eruca vesicaria" opened to ar- are widespread in Italian dialects—see Lessico etimologico italiano, letter E, columns 733-34.

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above