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Vegetable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vegetable

[ˈvɛdʒtəbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food

A plant or part of a plant used as food, typically as accompaniment to meat or fish. Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Synonyms

greens, produce, veggies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vegetable

Commonly used in general conversations to refer to edible plants or parts of plants.

  • Carrots are my favorite vegetable.
  • You should include more vegetables in your diet.
greens

Specifically refers to green leafy vegetables. Often used in the context of healthy eating or gardening.

  • Spinach and kale are popular greens.
  • I need to buy some greens for tonight's salad.
produce

Used in the context of shopping or farming, referring to fresh fruits and vegetables collectively.

  • I'm heading to the market to pick up some fresh produce.
  • This store has a great selection of local produce.
veggies

An informal and casual way to talk about vegetables, often used in everyday conversation.

  • I'm going to grill some veggies for dinner.
  • Kids should eat more veggies to stay healthy.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to eat plenty of vegetables every day to stay healthy.
  • She decided to cook a variety of vegetables for dinner.
  • I always try to include a mix of vegetables in my meals.
  • Vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are known for their health benefits.
  • Grilled vegetables are a delicious and nutritious option for a meal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health and Nutrition

  • Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, vegetables are essential for a balanced diet and maintaining good health.
  • Eating a variety of colorful vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health.
  • Dark leafy greens like spinach are known for being especially high in nutrients like iron and calcium.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have specific traditional dishes that highlight vegetables, such as ratatouille in French cuisine or kimchi in Korean meals.
  • In ancient Egypt, vegetables like onions and garlic were considered sacred and were often included in tombs for the afterlife.
  • Different countries celebrate their local harvests with festivals, showcasing the importance of vegetables in their diets and traditions.

Science

  • Botanically, vegetables are parts of plants, including roots, stems, and leaves, unlike fruits, which develop from flowers.
  • Some plants, like rhubarb, are considered vegetables in culinary terms but are botanically classified as fruits.
  • The process of cultivating vegetables is referred to as horticulture, focusing specifically on garden crops.

Sustainability

  • Increasing vegetable consumption promotes sustainable eating practices, benefiting both health and the planet.
  • Urban gardening initiatives around the world encourage growing vegetables in city settings, improving food availability and community engagement.
  • Growing your own vegetables reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce from farms to markets.

Origin of 'vegetable'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'vegetable' comes from the Latin word 'vegetabilis', meaning 'growing' or 'growing things'.
  • The French term 'légume', which refers to vegetables, originally distinguished edible plants from fruits.
  • In 1863, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled tomatoes as vegetables for tariff purposes, despite being botanically classified as fruits.

The word 'vegetable' originated from the Latin word 'vegetabilis', meaning 'animating' and 'enlivening'. In the 14th century, it was used to describe plants that are grown for food. Vegetables have been an essential part of human diet throughout history, providing vital nutrients and health benefits.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,447, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.