arugula

noun

aru·​gu·​la ə-ˈrü-gə-lə How to pronounce arugula (audio)
-gyə-
: a yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herb (Eruca 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 The salad section features cobb, Caesar and arugula salad. The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024 This summer strawberry salad balances the sweetness of the berries with tangy pickled onions, peppery arugula, and creamy feta. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2024 The Rucker: Signature beef blend burger, cream cheese, berry drizzle, crisp onions, arugula, tomato, $21. The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 The special menu includes a green salad featuring arugula, baby spinach, radishes, endives, onions, poached peppers, avocado, cucumbers and grape tomatoes, matzo ball soup and braised fish with asparagus risotto and edamame puree. Roger Sands, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Peppery watercress or baby arugula make a fine compliment to this sweet and savory orzo pasta salad. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 Add the butter lettuce, spinach, watercress, arugula and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are wilted. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 16 Mar. 2024 Once the focaccia is sliced and smeared with aioli, the fennel and arugula mix is added. Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 7 Mar. 2024 This recipe combines spicy arugula and roasted broccoli for a double dose of cruciferous vegetables. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2024

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 19 Apr. 2024.

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