noun / adjective

vegetable

VEJ-tuh-bul/ˈvedʒtəbl/

A plant or plant part, especially one eaten as food.

A carrot, a potato, and broccoli are all vegetables.

A small assortment of familiar edible plant parts: carrot with leaves, broccoli head, tomato and potato, clearly botanical food textures; no basket labels or excessive still-life props.

Etymology

The idea of enlivening developed into “growing, flourishing,” especially of plants. The noun probably arose from this adjective, first naming any plant and later narrowing to plants cultivated for food.

In context

Flavor & Fettle Supplements2:06

vegetables such as broccoli. They do not have to be completely soft, a few minutes depending on the vegetable will do in supporting the initial phases of digestion outside of the body.

5 Tips for Better Digestion of Your Foods!

More examples

We grow fresh vegetables in our backyard.
Roast the vegetables until they are tender.
She uses vegetable oil to fry the onions.

Forms

vegetable · vegetables

Similar words

produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables considered together, especially for sale.
greens: Leafy vegetables specifically, rather than roots or other edible parts.