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

In dozens of declarations collected as part of the court record, detainees recounted broccoli full of worms, diapers doled out one at a time, and staff tearing up children’s drawings. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Cruciferous veggies, which include broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, are also known to boost liver health and protect liver cells. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 July 2026

Ready in just 15 minutes, this make-ahead salad pairs crisp-tender broccoli florets with chickpeas and a bright lemon vinaigrette. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

Cooked broccoli was stored on the prep table at 57F and was later discarded. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 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