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

That means okra can help protect your gut barrier and ease digestive stress, all while providing antioxidant protection to your cells. —Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026

Start with transplants to ensure okra plants are right-sized to flower and fruit as soon as the heat arrives. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2025

This summer side dish is an easy way to use up fresh okra from the farmers' market. —Brennan Long, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025

The result is a trip through cultures—such as grits topped with foie gras, quail with creole sauce, and the Low Country rice dish perloo with okra. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025

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