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

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

Add the pumpkin seeds, basil leaves, arugula, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oil and lemon juice to the blender. 2. —Elizabeth Karmel, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Fromage Croissant Toast: Melty provolone and American cheeses, caramelized onions, arugula, and garlic aioli transform a simple classic into something extraordinary. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025

For a fresh addition, try adding some herbs or leafy greens such as basil or arugula. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 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