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

To minimize okra's infamous textural issues, take care not to cut the stem end so closely that the pod is severed. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025

Add to the broth before adding the okra. —Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025

Cocdrie’s offers three gumbos — seafood, chicken-sausage or shrimp-okra, along with jambalaya and crawfish étouffée. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025

Cook shrimp, crab, and okra in a flavorful broth that pays homage to Creole cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. —Essence, 4 Oct. 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