eggplant

noun

egg·​plant ˈeg-ˌplant 

ˈāg-

1

a

: a widely cultivated perennial Asian herb (Solanum melongena) of the nightshade family yielding edible fruit

b

: the usually smooth ovoid typically blackish-purple or white fruit of the eggplant

2

: a dark grayish or blackish purple

Examples of eggplant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dishes like Hokkaido scallop crudo and zatar and yogurt rubbed swordfish kabob with eggplant, roasted tomato, and tahini are transporting and the unctuous roasted bone marrow is simply a must-have dish. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

To increase the chances that eggplants survive a short period of cold weather, water your plants deeply before covering them, and consider adding a thick layer of mulch over their roots as well. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025

In Punjab, where our family roots lie, pakoras are often made with onions, potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, and eggplant. —Romy Gill, Saveur, 22 Oct. 2025

And while the little black velvet dress will forever reign supreme, this season’s hues—citron, deep eggplant, and rich burgundy—are equally covetable. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing eggplant

• Japanese eggplant

Rhymes for eggplant

• decant
• descant
• enchant
• explant
• implant
• preplant
• recant
• replant
• secant
• supplant
• transplant
• ant

Kids Definition

eggplant

noun

egg·​plant -ˌplant 

1

: a widely cultivated herb that is related to the potato and yields edible fruit

2

: the usually glossy blackish purple egg-shaped fruit of an eggplant