broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbrä-kə-lē 

ˈbrä-klē

1

chiefly British : a large hardy cauliflower

2

a

: either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage:

(1)

: one with a thick central stem and a compact head of dense usually green florets that is classified with the cauliflower

(2)

: one (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with slender stems and usually green or purple florets not arranged in a central head

b

: the stems and immature florets of broccoli used as food

Did you know?

A fast-growing, upright, branched, annual plant, broccoli bears dense green clusters of edible flower buds. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, it was introduced to the US probably in colonial times. Broccoli thrives in moderate to cool climates. Its flavor resembles that of cabbage but is somewhat milder. It is one of the most broadly nutritious of all common vegetables and is a plant that is closely related to cabbage in the mustard family.

Examples of broccoli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this hearty recipe, tender pork chops bake atop a creamy mixture of potatoes, broccoli, cheese, and onions, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. —Torie Cox, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

And nuts — almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts — along with vegetables like artichokes, broccoli and eggplant round out a diet where fiber shows up naturally at breakfast, lunch and dinner. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

Buffalo wing casserole, cheeseburger pie, chicken broccoli casserole, chicken tetrazzini and Nana’s chicken pot pie are all designed to go from freezer to table in 30 minutes. —Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026

Improved nutrition and ingredient quality Fresh dog food typically uses ingredients that pet owners recognize, such as chicken, broccoli or grains. —Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of broccolo flowering top of a cabbage, diminutive of brocco small nail, sprout

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing broccoli

• broccoli raab
• broccoli rab
• broccoli rabe
• Romanesco broccoli
• sprouting broccoli

Kids Definition

broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbräk-(ə-)lē 

: an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable