okra

noun

ˈō-krə 

 Southern also  -krē

1

: a tall annual herb (Abelmoschus esculentus) of the mallow family that is cultivated for its mucilaginous green pods used especially in soups or stews

also : the pods of this plant

2

: gumbo entry 1 sense 1

Examples of okra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fresh vegetables The vegetables imported to Milwaukee's Burmese shops from Southeast Asia include water spinach, Thai chili leaves, pennywort, okra and bitter melon. —Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Get the recipe > Grilled catfish is paired with sweet, tender corn, peppers, and pickled okra, then coated in a rich beurre blanc, creating a dish where Southern flavors take center stage. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025

Several foods in the walk-in cooler — including okra, peanut butter stew and jollof rice — measured outside of proper holding temperatures. —Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025

The new Knaus will continue to offer produce for sale, including green beans, squash, okra, cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon and (of course) strawberries. —Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

of African origin; akin to Ibo ókùrù okra

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

okra

noun

ˈō-krə 

: a tall herb related to the hollyhocks and grown for its edible green pods which are used especially in soups and stews

also : these pods