brussels sprout

noun

brus·​sels sprout ˈbrə-səl- 

variants or Brussels sprout

plural brussels sprouts or Brussels sprouts

1

: a plant (Brassica oleracea var. 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

• brussels sprout 1

Examples of brussels sprout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The entrees come in single serve, half portion (feeds two or three) and full size (feeds four to six), with soups and sides like lemon herb orzo, garlic bacon brussels sprouts and split pea soup in either half pint or pint sizes. —Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2025

Quinoa super food salad with quinoa, edamame, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, parsley, kale, rainbow brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, Persian cucumbers and crispy rice noodles, lightly tossed with Thai peanut dressing. —Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Veggie lovers will appreciate the delicious takes of crispy parmesan brussels sprouts. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025

There are several myths that certain foods are bad for thyroid function, including gluten and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower). —Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for brussels sprout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

brussels sprout

noun

brus·​sels sprout ˌbrəs-əl- 

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