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

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole Both kids and adults will enjoy eating broccoli when it’s accompanied by rice and covered in cheese. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026

The tender chunks of pork and gai lan (leafy green Chinese broccoli) melt into a golden sauce, served with a waiting side of white jasmine rice. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

But there are several vegetables that are high in vitamin C too, including broccoli, red and green peppers, spinach, and tomatoes. — Sarah Bradley, HEALTH, 22 Oct. 2026

Advertisement Give broccoli stems a chance Jonathan Deutsch has watched fellow cooks buy cases of broccoli, cut off the florets, and throw away the stems. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 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