arugula

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noun aru·gu·la \ ə-ˈrü-gə-lə , -gyə- \

Definition of arugula

:a yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herb (Eruca vesicaria sativa) of the mustard family cultivated for its foliage which is used especially in salads — called also garden rocket, rocket, roquette, rugola

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Recent Examples of arugula from the Web

For the sandwiches: 6 French or crusty bread rolls 1 boneless sliced heat-and-serve ham halved horizontally 1 lb. sliced Havarti cheese 2 large navel oranges 1 (5-oz.) package baby arugula1 (12-oz.)

— addie broyles, sacbee, "EIGHT RECIPES TO GET YOU THROUGH SUMMER," 22 Aug. 2017
The addition of arugula, though, adds another element that only salad greens can bring — a peppery burst of chlorophyll that infuses the cocktail like a lantern after a convincing ride through the shaker.

— craig laban, Philly.com, "There's a salad in my cocktail," 11 Aug. 2017
Any plant can bolt, but leafy herbs and veggies like cilantro, arugula, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, and spinach are especially susceptible.

— taysha murtaugh, Country Living, "Why Your Plants Are Bolting—and What You Can Do About It," 28 July 2017
It's made with Anders beef, caramelized onion-bacon marmalade, arugula, gruyere cheese blend, bay bread sesame bun, and served with fries and garlic aioli.

— robert allen, Detroit Free Press, "7 must-visit bars of Traverse City," 15 July 2017
My salads have become better than just a handful of arugula and a spritz of olive oil, now that the task of including vegetable toppings doesn’t include a potential blood sacrifice as dressing.

— beejoli shah, Bon Appetit, "The Ultra-Basic Tool That Single-Handedly Turned Me Into a Home Cook," 12 July 2017
Piquantly dressed arugula and dollops of goat cheese crowned a gorgeous summer melon salad, but every slice of honeydew was crunchy where it had been cut too close to the rind.

— providence cicero, The Seattle Times, "Contadino joins Brian Clevenger’s Italian empire," 6 July 2017
Layer turkey, cheese and watercress or arugula on the bottom half of the baguette and give it a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

— terri milligan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Picnic panache: Celebrate Bastille Day outdoors with a portable French feast," 4 July 2017
Mix with peppery arugula, field greens or other mixed salad greens and toss with a vinaigrette.

— susan selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Israeli couscous is terrific in summer salads," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'arugula.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of arugula

probably from Italian dialect; akin to Italian dialect (Lombardy) arigola arugula, Italian ruca — more at rocket

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1960

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

ARUGULA Defined for English Language Learners

arugula

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noun

Definition of arugula for English Language Learners

: a plant with strongly flavored leaves that are eaten in salads

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Britannica English: Translation of arugula for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arugula

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arugula

Definition of arugula

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arugula

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