arugula

noun

aru·​gu·​la ə-ˈrü-gə-lə How to pronounce arugula (audio)
-gyə-
: a yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herb (Eruce sativa synonym E. vesicaria sativa) of the mustard family cultivated for its foliage which is used especially in salads

called also garden rocket, rocket, roquette, rugola

Examples of arugula 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.
Fromage Croissant Toast: Features melty provolone and American cheeses, caramelized onions, arugula, and garlic aioli. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 1 May 2025 Fresh parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes to the arugula salad. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025 The addition of orzo lends heft, teaming up with chunks of roasted chicken, leafy arugula and juicy tomatoes for a bright and fresh salad. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 As proven by the current farro salad on the Charlie Bird menu, this arugula and farro concept can flex with the seasons. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for arugula

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, probably from a southern dialectal form of Tuscan ruca, rucola, as Neapolitan arucola, arucolo, with English spelling -gu- reflecting lenis articulation of consonants and reduction of vowels — more at rocket entry 1

Note: For similar reflection in English spelling of southern Italian articulation compare agita, goombah. Forms with the initial ēr- of the Latin etymon ērūca "arugula, Eruca vesicaria" opened to ar- are widespread in Italian dialects—see Lessico etimologico italiano, letter E, columns 733-34.

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arugula was in 1960

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arugula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arugula. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on arugula

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!