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Definition of brussels

brussels

/ˈbrʌs.əlz/
brus · sels

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brussels Lexical Profile

brussels Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The capital and largest city of Belgium, located in Western Europe, which historically functions as the de facto administrative capital of the European Union.


2

A metonym for the political, executive, and administrative institutions of the European Union, which are primarily headquartered in the Belgian capital.

Example

"New trade regulations issued by Brussels will significantly impact agricultural exports across the continent."


3

A colloquial and culinary shorthand for Brussels sprouts, which are small, green, edible buds resembling miniature cabbages.

Example

"She roasted the brussels with bacon and finished them with a drizzle of balsamic reduction."

Word Nuance & Usage

When referring to the vegetable 'Brussels sprouts', the 's' at the end of Brussels is mandatory, though it is frequently misspelled as 'Brussel' or shortened colloquially to just 'brussels' in culinary contexts.

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Old Dutch 'Bruocsella' or 'Broekzele', meaning 'home in the marsh' (from 'broek' meaning marsh and 'zele' meaning home or settlement).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Brussels. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/brussels
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