rutabaga

noun

ru·​ta·​ba·​ga ˌrü-tə-ˈbā-gə 

ˌru̇-, 

-ˈbe-;

ˈrü-tə-ˌbā-, 

ˈru̇-, 

-ˌbe-

: a turnip (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) that usually produces a large yellowish root that is eaten as a vegetable

also : the root

Examples of rutabaga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Arugula, beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, fennel, kale, pumpkin, radish, rutabaga, squash, Swiss chard, tomato, turnips, and watermelon can be stored for up to four years. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

Root Vegetables Celeriac, beets, turnips, rutabaga, and specialty radishes are in great supply and store well, Craig says. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 3 Jan. 2026

Rutabegorz, a riff off of the turnip-like vegetable rutabaga, has two other locations in Fullerton and Orange remaining open. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025

Although winter vegetables such as rutabaga and butternut squash are traditionally peeled, delicata squash's skin is surprisingly edible, not to mention delicious—so no need to peel. —Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from regional Swedish (Västergötland) rotabagge, rotbagge, from Swedish rot "root" + -bagge "(in compounds) round, lumpy object"

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rutabaga

noun

ru·​ta·​ba·​ga ˌrüt-ə-ˈbā-gə 

ˌru̇t-, 

-ˈbeg-ə

: a turnip with a large yellowish root that is eaten as a vegetable

also : the root