arugula

noun

aru·​gu·​la ə-ˈrü-gə-lə 

-gyə-

: a yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herb (Eruce sativa synonym E. vesicaria sativa) of the mustard family cultivated for its foliage which is used especially in salads

called also garden rocket, rocket, roquette, rugola

Examples of arugula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As proven by the current farro salad on the Charlie Bird menu, this arugula and farro concept can flex with the seasons. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025

The resounding crunch of chard and the surprising spice of arugula. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025

Diners can also craft their own bowls, starting with a base of organic arugula, lemony kale or house grains, then adding protein, toppers and sauce. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025

Cruciferous vegetables Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, rapini — these are gut superheroes in the vegetable family. —Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, probably from a southern dialectal form of Tuscan ruca, rucola, as Neapolitan arucola, arucolo, with English spelling -gu- reflecting lenis articulation of consonants and reduction of vowels — more at rocket entry 1

Note: For similar reflection in English spelling of southern Italian articulation compare agita, goombah. Forms with the initial ēr- of the Latin etymon ērūca "arugula, Eruca vesicaria" opened to ar- are widespread in Italian dialects—see Lessico etimologico italiano, letter E, columns 733-34.

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above