Definition and meaning of English word "vegetable"
vegetable
/ˈvɛdʒɪtəbəl/
Meaning
NounA plant raised for some edible part of it, such as the leaves, roots, fruit or flowers, but excluding any plant considered to be a fruit, grain, herb, or spice in the culinary sense.
How to use
In everyday conversation, the term 'vegetable' is often used to refer to a wide variety of edible plants, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables. However, it's worth noting that some plants, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, are technically fruits in a botanical sense, but are commonly referred to as vegetables in culinary contexts. This nuance can sometimes lead to confusion, especially among non-native English speakers.
🇬🇧 English
vegetable
Example
The vegetable garden is very big.
I love eating fresh vegetables.
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Common phrases
- garden vegetables— plants grown in a garden for food
- root vegetables— plants with edible roots
- leafy greens— plants with edible leaves
- cruciferous vegetables— plants with edible flowers or seeds
- salad vegetables— plants used in salads
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #221 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "vegetable" mean?▼
The English word "vegetable" means "vegetable" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "vegetable"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "vegetable" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "vegetable"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet." (which translates as "vegetable").
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