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

The result is a trip through cultures—such as grits topped with foie gras, quail with creole sauce, and the Low Country rice dish perloo with okra. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025

What becomes quite obvious is that, despite her best efforts, Wendy is ultimately replicating the scrutiny that her mother constantly gives her, which Alethea gets a small taste of as Wendy’s mom looks over her middling efforts at slicing okra with abject derision and disapproval. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2025

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

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