Belgian endive

1 of 2

noun (1)

: the developing crown of chicory when blanched for use as a vegetable or in salads by growing in darkness or semidarkness

called also endive, witloof

endive

2 of 2

noun (2)

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 Belgian endive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Chicory and bitter greens Popular in Italy and France, radicchio, Belgian endive, frisée and puntarelle are rich in inulin, which balances the gut microbiome. —Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

There’s also a divine course of shredded Belgian endive served atop a swirling spinach and hibiscus sauce. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2025

Noun

The bistro-style menu satisfies every craving with the endive salad with anchovies, a baguette with what might be the best slab of butter in town, and Lefebvre’s take on the Big Mac, made more expensive, more indulgent, and more French with foie gras. —Chadner Navarro, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

Broccoli, cauliflower, artichoke, endive, dandelion, cabbage, and chicory contain bitter compounds that stimulate bile production, which supports fat digestion, waste elimination, and hormonal balance—indirectly helping manage acid load. —Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1894, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Belgian endive

• Belgian endive
• curly endive