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

Purple asparagus, which makes up just 1% of the crop, turns green in the pan, much like red okra does. —Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026

The soup also included leftover crab, marinated okra and mushrooms. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026

Wait until next month to plant corn and okra seeds in the garden — both grow best with lots of heat. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

This party-ready potato salad is made for pickle-lovers with dill pickle relish, pickled okra, and bread-and-butter pickle chips. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

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