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

Lambda-cyhalothrin, which starves insects and is lethal to honeybees, was found on cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, lettuce and broccoli. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026

Cruciferous vegetables The most common cruciferous vegetables — members of the Brassica family — include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and arugula. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Mar. 2026

Follow this simple recipe to upgrade bagged broccoli slaw and turn it into a refreshing summer dish. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026

In the fridge, keep ethylene-producers in a different crisper drawer than ethylene-sensitive items like bananas, broccoli, citrus, melons, and stone fruit. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 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