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

Foods like kale, cabbage, and arugula are also great sources of chlorophyll, which is a natural compound that is known for its detox properties and ability to enhance liver function. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 July 2026

The menu, presented on personalized scrolls, began with a refreshing burrata insalata with arugula. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

The Mighty Mushroom Roll goes deeper with shiitake, enoki, tofu, micro arugula, and shiitake truffle sauce, while the Spicy Mang Roll brings mango, cucumber, avocado, and veggie slaw into something brighter and cleaner. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Some of the restaurant’s most popular dogs include the Soo Cali, which is topped with arugula, tomato, avocado, crispy onion strings and spicy basil aioli and the Chili Idol that’s loaded with Haus chili, cheese sauce and diced onions. — Richard Guzman, Daily News, 13 July 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