broccoli

noun

broc·​co·​li ˈbrä-kə-lē How to pronounce broccoli (audio)
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 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 My favorite vegetables for frittatas are leeks, shallots, broccoli, bell peppers, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, fresh tomatoes and mushrooms. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 This would include beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Swiss chard, kale, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2024 This cheesy breakfast casserole not only proves that broccoli makes a delicious addition to breakfast dishes, but it can also be prepped the night before for easy assembly and a 10-minute prep time in the morning. Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2024 Pour the blended habanero sauce all over the broccoli. Pati Jinich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2024 Plant protein sources like greens and broccoli are rich in antioxidants, vitamin K and vitamin C among others. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024 Use a food processor to turn cauliflower or broccoli into rice. Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 26 Jan. 2024 This time Jones made sure to use the broccoli to place the freckles on her forehead, chin and around her mouth. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024 Divide the chicken and the broccoli among plates, along with rice, if desired. Pati Jinich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'broccoli.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of broccoli was in 1699

Dictionary Entries Near broccoli

Cite this Entry

“Broccoli.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broccoli. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

broccoli

noun
broc·​co·​li ˈbräk-(ə-)lē How to pronounce broccoli (audio)
: an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable

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