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

Sow your arugula seeds in a spot with plenty of sun and well-draining, loamy soil, avoiding areas where other cruciferous or mustard-related veggies have been in the past year. — The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026

Currently, Greenscale grows a variety of leafy greens, including kale, spinach, arugula, basil and cilantro. — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

For readers focused on long-term bone strength, digestion and cancer prevention, a small handful of arugula before a meal may deliver more than a peppery bite. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Why arugula may help digestion The whole pitch hinges on one thing, bitterness. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 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