broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbrä-kə-lē 

ˈbrä-klē

1

chiefly British : a large hardy cauliflower

2

a

: either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage:

(1)

: one with a thick central stem and a compact head of dense usually green florets that is classified with the cauliflower

(2)

: one (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with slender stems and usually green or purple florets not arranged in a central head

b

: the stems and immature florets of broccoli used as food

Did you know?

A fast-growing, upright, branched, annual plant, broccoli bears dense green clusters of edible flower buds. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, it was introduced to the US probably in colonial times. Broccoli thrives in moderate to cool climates. Its flavor resembles that of cabbage but is somewhat milder. It is one of the most broadly nutritious of all common vegetables and is a plant that is closely related to cabbage in the mustard family.

Examples of broccoli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The garden has flourished under his leadership and now supplies the majority of Sirikoi’s produce, from the citrus and passion fruit served with breakfast to the broccoli and potatoes that accompany dinner. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026

The menu options include beef ravioli, salmon, butternut squash, tuna noodle casserole, tomatoes, artichokes, broccoli, kale, pickled beets, cherry and blueberry cobbler or a chocolate and peanut butter bar. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026

For a first-time gardener, broccoli and cabbage are forgiving choices that reward you with real food from your own backyard. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2026

For families that put broccoli on the dinner table each week, even a few homegrown heads can meaningfully offset store costs. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of broccolo flowering top of a cabbage, diminutive of brocco small nail, sprout

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing broccoli

• broccoli raab
• broccoli rab
• broccoli rabe
• Romanesco broccoli
• sprouting broccoli

Kids Definition

broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbräk-(ə-)lē 

: an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable