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Definition of broccoli

broccoli

/ˈbrɑː.kə.li/
broc · co · li
Plural:broccoli
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broccoli Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A cultivated variety of cabbage in the mustard family, bearing dense clusters of usually green flower buds and thick stalks that are eaten as a vegetable.

Example

"She steamed the broccoli until it was tender and served it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for broccoli

• Rhymes for broccoli

• Nearby Words

broadhead skink
broadsword
broccoflower
broccoli
broccolini
brochure
brocket

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the mid-17th century from Italian 'broccoli', the plural of 'broccolo' (cabbage sprout or head), which is a diminutive of 'brocco' (shoot or twig), ultimately derived from Latin 'broccus' (projecting).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Broccoli. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/broccoli
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