brussels sprout

noun

brus·​sels sprout ˈbrə-səl- How to pronounce brussels sprout (audio)
variants or Brussels sprout
plural brussels sprouts or Brussels sprouts
1
: a plant (Brassica oleracea gemmifera) related to the cabbage and cauliflower that is cultivated for its edible small roundish green buds which are borne on its stem and resemble miniature cabbages
2
: any of the edible green buds that are borne on the stems of brussels sprouts, consist of tightly overlapping immature leaves, and are typically cooked as a vegetable

Illustration of brussels sprout

Illustration of brussels sprout
  • brussels sprout 1

Examples of brussels sprout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Add chiles to baking sheet; toss with brussels sprouts using tongs. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 14 Nov. 2023 One cup of brussels sprouts provides more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2023 Cruciferous vegetables Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage are among the most challenging to digest due to their complex fibers, which tend to ferment in the gut, causing gas and bloating. Christine Nguyen, D.o. Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and Research, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023 Production: Entrée Libre Comforting Cabbage, Elevated Unlike many of its cruciferous cousins (brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale), cabbage hasn’t been at the center of a culinary craze — until now. New York Times, 7 Sep. 2023 Place brussels sprouts in a food processor and pulse until flaked. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2023 Menu highlights: Fried brussels sprouts, clam and bacon pizza, bucatini carbonara, clam linguini, butternut squash and scallop risotto, apple rum and fig bread pudding. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 28 July 2023 One side of Copper Blues is dedicated to the restaurant, which serves pizzas, burgers and small bites like chicken wings, truffle fries, brussels sprouts and drunken hot dogs. Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 15 June 2023 Flooding also delayed planting for fresh vegetables, which could lead to a national shortage of lettuce, brussels sprouts and artichokes, said Ryan Jacobsen, the CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, a nonprofit group that promotes and protects agriculture. Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 6 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brussels sprout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brussels sprout was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near brussels sprout

Cite this Entry

“Brussels sprout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brussels%20sprout. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

brussels sprout

noun
brus·​sels sprout ˌbrəs-əl- How to pronounce brussels sprout (audio)
often capitalized B
: one of the edible small green heads that grow on the stem of a plant related to the cabbage
also : this plant

More from Merriam-Webster on brussels sprout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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