watercress

noun

wa·​ter·​cress ˈwȯ-tər-ˌkres How to pronounce watercress (audio)
ˈwä-
1
: any of several aquatic or semiaquatic cresses
especially : a perennial cress (Nasturtium officinale) native to Europe and southwestern Asia that is naturalized in the U.S. and has leaves used especially in salads or as a potherb
2
: the leaves of a watercress

Examples of watercress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Watercress, Snow Pea and Shiitake Stir-Fry Eating green is easy in this vegan main that combines snow peas with watercress and mushrooms, brightened even more by ginger and orange juice. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024 Leafy greens are also excellent choices: Lettuce of all types, kale, chard, watercress, and spinach are all healthy, tasty, and easy to grow in a hydroponic garden. Michelle Ullman, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2024 Guests don gum boots to shift sheep, pick wild watercress for dinner cooked by a private chef, and hike to a secluded waterfall for yoga sessions. Petrina Darrah, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2023 Succulent shrimp, nutty coconut flakes and a punchy watercress salad are the building blocks for a show-stopping meal that’s ready in a flash. Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, 23 Aug. 2023 Other good green, non-starchy vegetables include spinach, lettuce, watercress, sugar snap peas, asparagus, cabbage, and celery. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2023 Peppery watercress or baby arugula make a fine compliment to this sweet and savory orzo pasta salad. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 7 July 2023 Kale, collards, watercress, mustard greens and Swiss chard clock in at an ANDI score of 1000. Joe Yonan, Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2023 Essential mustard oils provide a slightly pungent flavor, but also make watercress a natural cough suppressant. Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'watercress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of watercress was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near watercress

Cite this Entry

“Watercress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watercress. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

watercress

noun
wa·​ter·​cress -ˌkres How to pronounce watercress (audio)
: a plant that is related to the mustards and the cabbage, grows especially in clear running water, and has crisp peppery-tasting leaves used especially in salads
also : the leaves of a watercress

More from Merriam-Webster on watercress

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