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
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Antioxidants are found in fruits, vegetables (including broccoli and Brussels sprouts), seeds, nuts, leaves, roots, and flours, said Namrita Brooke, PhD, RDN, exercise physiologist, sports nutritionist, and cycling coach at BaseCamp.
—
Danielle Zickl, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
That week, the Tuesday tray included broccoli, powdered mashed potatoes and cookies.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
Cole crops, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli, will be included on the non-root crop side.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Nonstarchy Vegetables Leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and more are all low in carbohydrates and calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
—Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025
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Danielle Zickl, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
That week, the Tuesday tray included broccoli, powdered mashed potatoes and cookies.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
Cole crops, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli, will be included on the non-root crop side.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Nonstarchy Vegetables Leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and more are all low in carbohydrates and calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
—Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 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 Oct. 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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