arugula

noun

aru·​gu·​la ə-ˈrü-gə-lə How to pronounce arugula (audio)
-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 Bake until golden brown, then garnish with a generous handful of fresh arugula. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2024 Baby arugula: Adds freshness with a lemony, peppery flavor. Julia Levy, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2024 Place arugula in a large bowl and sprinkle with pecans, blueberries and peppers. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 10 Aug. 2024 Varieties like kale, arugula, and spinach are fiber-rich and packed with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Barbie Cervoni, Health, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for arugula 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arugula.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of arugula was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near arugula

Cite this Entry

“Arugula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arugula. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

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