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Definition of arugula
arugula
/əˈruː.ɡə.lə/
a · ru · gu · la
arugula Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
• noun
1
North American A pungent, leafy green plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) native to the Mediterranean region, widely cultivated and consumed as a culinary vegetable for its distinctive peppery flavor.
Example
"She tossed the fresh arugula with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar to make a light summer salad."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for arugulaWord Nuance & Usage
In North American English, this leafy green is called 'arugula', whereas in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, it is commonly referred to as 'rocket'.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into American English in the 1960s from a northern Italian dialect word (such as Lombard 'arigola' or 'rucola'), ultimately derived from the Latin 'eruca', meaning a type of cabbage or caterpillar.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Arugula. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/arugula