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

Roasted in a hot oven or cooked quickly in a pan, okra becomes tender with slightly crispy edges. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 June 2026

Grilling okra whole reduces sliminess and imbues the pods with a gentle smokiness that is simply irresistible. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 15 June 2026

Heat-loving okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) adds subtle shapes and vibrant yellow color to your containers even during summer's hottest days, says Harryson. —Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 12 June 2026

Less common vegetables, such as jicama and okra, have even higher amounts of fiber. —Joy Emeh, Health, 3 June 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