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
Did you know?
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
Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and arugula are chockfull of vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
—
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 1 Jan. 2026
Keep the mirepoix the same and swap the broccoli rabe for your favorite greens—regular broccoli works great, as do leafy greens like spinach, chard, or kale.
—Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
Other than eating it raw, steaming for up to five minutes is likely the best way to cook broccoli to preserve nutrients, according Emily Ho, PhD, a distinguished professor at Oregon State University, who studies antioxidants.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 29 Dec. 2025
Grandma knew that the best way to get everyone to eat their broccoli was to make sure it's covered in plenty of cheese.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for broccoli
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 1 Jan. 2026
Keep the mirepoix the same and swap the broccoli rabe for your favorite greens—regular broccoli works great, as do leafy greens like spinach, chard, or kale.
—Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
Other than eating it raw, steaming for up to five minutes is likely the best way to cook broccoli to preserve nutrients, according Emily Ho, PhD, a distinguished professor at Oregon State University, who studies antioxidants.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 29 Dec. 2025
Grandma knew that the best way to get everyone to eat their broccoli was to make sure it's covered in plenty of cheese.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 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 2 Jan. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share