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

Its restaurant-level profit margin fell in the last quarter of that year, which the company attributed to an increase in food, beverage and packaging costs associated with romaine, arugula and tomato shortages. —Bloomberg, Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026

The Figgy Piggy has fig jam, mozzarella, prosciutto, goat cheese and arugula with a balsamic glaze. —Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal, 25 Feb. 2026

Toasted Caprese Focaccia- Mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula, basil pesto spread, salt and pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on a black pepper focaccia. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026

Spinach, arugula, lamb’s lettuce, kale, chard, and watercress are rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, making them among the most alkalizing foods. —Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 24 Feb. 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