endive

noun

en·​dive ˈen-ˌdīv  ˌän-ˈdēv 

1

: an annual or biennial composite herb (Cichorium endivia) that is closely related to chicory and occurs in two common varieties:

a

: a variety (C. endivia var. crispa) having curly, usually dissected leaves : curly endive

b

: a variety (C. endivia var. latifolium) having broad flat leaves used especially cooked as a vegetable : escarole

2

: belgian endive

Examples of endive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Escarole is a chicory, the clan that includes radicchio, endive and frisée. —Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026

The fork-tender caveman-size shank is blanketed in sautéed endive and a bright lemon-egg-dill sauce. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

Pinch of salt 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil Garnish:Arugula or endive 1: Cook the fish: Place a large nonstick pan (if not available, use a large fry pan or cast iron) over high heat. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Dec. 2025

Mild, leafy butter lettuce helps tie it all together, but slightly bitter chicories like frisée, escarole or endive would work well, too. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin endivia, from Late Greek entybion, from Latin intubus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing endive

• Belgian endive
• curly endive

Kids Definition

endive

noun

en·​dive ˈen-ˌdīv 

1

: an herb closely related to chicory and widely grown as a salad plant

called also escarole

2

: the developing shoot of chicory when it is made pale or white by growing in the dark for use in salads