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

The 34-year-old, who grows produce like mushrooms, zucchini, peppers and okra in San Antonio, did not intend on pursuing a career as a farmer. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Next, cook the okra in a smoking hot cast iron pan or griddle, making sure to keep the cut sides on the pan. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

Boxes of okra were stored on the floor of the walk-in freezer, no soap was available at one of the hand sinks and a dead cockroach was seen near the bulk containers of dry ingredients. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026

Choose Small, Skinny Okra Pods Although we’ve been conditioned to think bigger is better, this is not true with okra. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 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