watercress

noun

wa·​ter·​cress ˈwȯ-tər-ˌkres 

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

Underrated foods like watercress, sardines, kiwi, and more are nutritious and offer many health benefits. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026

Entrées include Crispy Skin Salmon with barley risotto, watercress salad, miso coconut glace or a Wagyu Flat Iron Steak served with silk potatoes, grilled asparagus, and veal demi. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026

The Fern Grove collection will elevate your scentscape with a calming blend of fern, oakmoss, fig, watercress, cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Nov. 2025

Other members of this healthy group include arugula, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, collard and mustard greens wasabi and watercress. —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for watercress

• abs
• acquiesce
• ancestress
• authoress
• coalesce
• decompress
• dispossess
• faithfulness
• letterpress
• mayoress
• murderess
• nonetheless

Kids Definition

watercress

noun

wa·​ter·​cress -ˌkres 

: 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