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

Savory country ham and pickled okra come together for a quick and easy no-cook starter. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

This includes nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, as well as sweet potatoes, okra, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons, which are all less likely to struggle in hot weather. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026

As a result, filé and okra became primary thickeners of the dish that became known as gumbo. — Ashley Rose Young, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026

Roasted in a hot oven or cooked quickly in a pan, okra becomes tender with slightly crispy edges. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 June 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