okra

noun

ˈō-krə How to pronounce okra (audio)
 Southern also  -krē
1
: a tall annual herb (Abelmoschus esculentus) of the mallow family that is cultivated for its mucilaginous green pods used especially in soups or stews
also : the pods of this plant
2

Examples of okra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Many of these, such as okra, millets, and pigeon peas, have historically been overlooked and under harvested. Daniela De Lorenzo, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Want to wander through fresh crops like okra, peanuts and sweet potatoes? Alexis Clinton, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024 Sides like crispy okra, jollof rice, and callaloo were just as notable as the main dishes, though the star of the meal was the Mom Dukes Shrimp, served whole and bathed in a decadent Creole butter. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2024 Carolina Low Country Gumbo At Milk & Honey at The Wharf in Washington DC, this gumbo is made with crab meat, shrimp, okra and rice. Aly Walansky, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for okra 

Word History

Etymology

of African origin; akin to Ibo ókùrù okra

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of okra was in 1679

Dictionary Entries Near okra

Cite this Entry

“Okra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/okra. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

okra

noun
: a tall herb related to the hollyhocks and grown for its edible green pods which are used especially in soups and stews
also : these pods

More from Merriam-Webster on okra

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!