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 individual beads are large hollow spheres containing okra seeds. —Travis Loller, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026

The individual beads are large hollow spheres containing okra seeds. —ABC News, 15 Feb. 2026

There's nothing better to pair with a fresh piece of fish than an equally fresh side dish like this summertime favorite loaded with in-season tomatoes, okra, corn, lima beans, and more. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

The cold weather looks to already have a significant effect on what crops of snap beans, yellow squash, sweet corn and okra yield in the seasons ahead, Torbert said. —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 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