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

Roundhouse Brewpub The Cristo Twisto is a Monte Cristo with a twist, with raspberry fritter bread, fontina cheese, turkey breast, prosciutto, arugula, raspberry sauce dusted with powdered sugar. —Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 28 Jan. 2026

Microgreens like arugula, basil, or chard can all grow quickly indoors. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026

Take it out and add some arugula and a dash of olive oil and you’re set. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

The restaurant’s concoction includes a whole poached pear, arugula, radish, pistachios and cranberries, dressed with pear vinaigrette. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 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