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

Crops native to Africa, such as watermelon, okra, yams, black-eyed peas, kola nuts (the basis for Coca-Cola), hibiscus, sesame, muskmelons (like cantaloupe and honeydew), and most significantly, African rice, were transported on ships with enslaved Africans during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. —Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2024

Each chef had five minutes to taste ingredients like anchovies, za’atar, okra, pork chops, quinoa, umeboshi, gooseberries, watermelon, flank steak and more. Should've been a cinch for these chefs’ refined palates, right? —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 5 June 2024

Here, Bacolod is just focusing on the short ribs, along with Filipino eggplant, long beans, okra and baby bok choy. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2024

Once the long beans are tender, add the okra and simmer until tender. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2024

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