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

The adventure continues with a salad course of fresh buffalo mozzarella paired with peppery arugula, crisp radish, and heirloom tomatoes. —Dashae Engler, Midwest Living, 8 Apr. 2026

The richness of the pesto and mushrooms paired perfectly with the bright, peppery crunch of the arugula, creating a balanced and memorable bite. —Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends planting mostly root vegetables, including parsnips and turnips, and leafy greens such as kale and arugula in early April. —McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026

Then loaded with a tangled heap of arugula and radicchio tossed in my colleague Emma Laperruque’s bracing Three-Minute Red Wine Vinaigrette? —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026

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