broccoli
noun
broc·co·li
ˈbrä-kə-lē 
ˈbrä-klē
1
chiefly British
: a large hardy cauliflower
2
a
: either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage:
(1)
: one with a thick central stem and a compact head of dense usually green florets that is classified with the cauliflower
(2)
: one (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with slender stems and usually green or purple florets not arranged in a central head
b
: the stems and immature florets of broccoli used as food
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A fast-growing, upright, branched, annual plant, broccoli bears dense green clusters of edible flower buds. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, it was introduced to the US probably in colonial times. Broccoli thrives in moderate to cool climates. Its flavor resembles that of cabbage but is somewhat milder. It is one of the most broadly nutritious of all common vegetables and is a plant that is closely related to cabbage in the mustard family.
Examples of broccoli in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fortified Foods: Some cereals, juices, and spreads have added vitamin E.
Leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, and broccoli provide smaller amounts.
—
Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
Most broccoli can be harvested when the heads are 3 inches or so in diameter.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 July 2025
Like broccoli dredged in eggs and breadcrumbs then fried in olive oil.
—Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025
One cup of cooked broccoli provides over 100% of your vitamin C needs and over 40% of the daily value for folate, both of which play important roles in the body.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 3 July 2025
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Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
Most broccoli can be harvested when the heads are 3 inches or so in diameter.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 July 2025
Like broccoli dredged in eggs and breadcrumbs then fried in olive oil.
—Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025
One cup of cooked broccoli provides over 100% of your vitamin C needs and over 40% of the daily value for folate, both of which play important roles in the body.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for broccoli
Cite this Entry
“Broccoli.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broccoli. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
broccoli
noun
broc·co·li
ˈbräk-(ə-)lē
: an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable
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