Belgian endive

1 of 2

noun (1)

: the developing crown of chicory when blanched for use as a vegetable or in salads by growing in darkness or semidarkness

called also endive, witloof

endive

2 of 2

noun (2)

en·​dive ˈen-ˌdīv  ˌän-ˈdēv 

1

: an annual or biennial composite herb (Cichorium endivia) that is closely related to chicory and occurs in two common varieties:

a

: a variety (C. endivia var. crispa) having curly, usually dissected leaves : curly endive

b

: a variety (C. endivia var. latifolium) having broad flat leaves used especially cooked as a vegetable : escarole

2

: belgian endive

Examples of Belgian endive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There’s also a divine course of shredded Belgian endive served atop a swirling spinach and hibiscus sauce. — Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2025

Chicory and bitter greens Popular in Italy and France, radicchio, Belgian endive, frisée and puntarelle are rich in inulin, which balances the gut microbiome. — Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

Noun

The fork-tender caveman-size shank is blanketed in sautéed endive and a bright lemon-egg-dill sauce. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

Escarole is a chicory, the clan that includes radicchio, endive and frisée. — Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin endivia, from Late Greek entybion, from Latin intubus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1894, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Belgian endive

• Belgian endive
• curly endive