okra

noun \ ˈō-krə , Southern also -krē \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of okra

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 : ¹gumbo 1

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Recent Examples of okra from the Web

When seeding okra directly in the ground, wait until after the soil has warmed and the air temperature is at least 60°F.

— the editors of organic life, Good Housekeeping, "Your Complete Guide To Growing Okra," 21 Feb. 2018
Vegetables: Boniato, calabaza, chayote, cherry tomatoes, dasheen, malanga, okra, roselle, southern peas, Seminole pumpkin, sweet cassava, sweet potatoes and yard-long beans. 4.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "June in the garden," 26 May 2018
The molokhia leaves are also known as jute or Jew’s mallow (a bitter green somewhere between spinach and sorrel that can get viscous, similarly to okra, when cooked).

— chris morocco, Bon Appetit, "This Braised Chicken Soup with Greens Recipe Is PERFECT for Spring," 21 May 2018
Last June, the conflict grew more tense in Chut Pyin, a farm town known for its okra and pungent bitter gourd.

— niharika mandhana, WSJ, "‘We’ll Turn Your Village Into Soil’: Survivors Recount One of Myanmar’s Biggest Massacres," 11 May 2018
Residents would go out to buy pineapples, tomatoes, bananas and okra from the man who became a New Orleans institution.

— Washington Post, "Aerosmith, Richie, Beck anchor 2nd weekend of Jazz Fest," 2 May 2018
Now is prime time for planting summer vegetable seeds, too, including: beans, carrots, chard, corn, cucumbers, okra, pumpkins, squash and watermelon.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "Waiting is over; plant your tomatoes now | The Sacramento Bee," 27 Apr. 2018
One of the signature dishes is a succotash made with sautéed chicken, corn, yellow squash, onions, peppers, and okra.

— arthur levine, USA TODAY, "Silver Dollar City theme park offers old-fashioned fun and thrills," 25 Apr. 2018
The long list of sides includes coleslaw, jalapeño beans, fried okra and green beans.

— michele parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego's best BBQ: Here's where to make a pit stop," 13 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'okra.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of okra

of African origin; akin to Ibo ókùrù okra

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1679

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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OKRA Defined for English Language Learners

okra

noun

Definition of okra for English Language Learners

: a tall plant whose pods are eaten as a vegetable and are used in soups and stews; also : the pods of this plant

OKRA Defined for Kids

okra

noun \ ˈō-krə \

Definition of okra for Students

: the green pods of a garden plant that are used as a vegetable especially in soups and stews

Learn More about okra

Spanish Central: Translation of okra Nglish: Translation of okra for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about okra

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okra

Definition of okra

Recent Examples of okra from the Web

Origin and Etymology of okra

OKRA Defined for English Language Learners

okra

Definition of okra for English Language Learners

OKRA Defined for Kids

okra

Definition of okra for Students

Learn More about okra

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