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

Although ingredients vary from one cook to the next, or are influenced by region, most gumbo recipes call for shrimp, sausage, chicken, okra, or some combination. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026

Padmini came in about ten minutes later, carrying a net bag bulging with okra and shiny gourds. — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

The 34-year-old, who grows produce like mushrooms, zucchini, peppers and okra in San Antonio, did not intend on pursuing a career as a farmer. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Next, cook the okra in a smoking hot cast iron pan or griddle, making sure to keep the cut sides on the pan. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

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