okra

noun

ˈō-krə 

 Southern also  -krē

1

: a tall annual herb (Abelmoschus esculentus) of the mallow family that is cultivated for its mucilaginous green pods used especially in soups or stews

also : the pods of this plant

2

: gumbo entry 1 sense 1

Examples of okra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Edible okra is usually harvested when the pods are about 3 inches long. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

Fresh vegetables The vegetables imported to Milwaukee's Burmese shops from Southeast Asia include water spinach, Thai chili leaves, pennywort, okra and bitter melon. —Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Get the recipe > Grilled catfish is paired with sweet, tender corn, peppers, and pickled okra, then coated in a rich beurre blanc, creating a dish where Southern flavors take center stage. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025

Several foods in the walk-in cooler — including okra, peanut butter stew and jollof rice — measured outside of proper holding temperatures. —Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

of African origin; akin to Ibo ókùrù okra

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

okra

noun

ˈō-krə 

: a tall herb related to the hollyhocks and grown for its edible green pods which are used especially in soups and stews

also : these pods