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Vegetables Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vegetables

[ˈvɛdʒ.tə.bəlz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

healthy eating

Vegetables are plants that are grown for their edible parts, such as roots, stems, leaves, or flowers. They are an important part of a balanced diet as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Synonyms

greens, produce, veggies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vegetables

General term used in most formal and informal situations to refer to edible plant parts. It's appropriate in academic, dining, and everyday conversations.

  • Eating vegetables is essential for maintaining a balanced diet.
  • The recipe calls for a mix of fresh vegetables.
greens

Often used to specifically refer to leafy vegetables. Common in culinary contexts and health discussions.

  • Add some greens to your salad for extra nutrients.
  • Kale and spinach are popular greens in smoothies.
produce

A term typically used in grocery stores and markets to refer to fresh fruits and vegetables collectively.

  • The market has a wide variety of fresh produce.
  • She shops for organic produce every weekend.
veggies

Informal and casual term for vegetables, often used in everyday conversations, especially with children or to make the term sound more fun.

  • Don't forget to eat your veggies!
  • She packed some cut veggies for a healthy snack.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to include a variety of vegetables in your meals for optimal nutrition.
  • Broccoli, carrots, and spinach are all examples of vegetables.
  • Eating vegetables regularly can help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
  • Vegetables can be consumed raw, cooked, or in the form of juices or smoothies.
  • Grilled vegetables make a delicious and healthy side dish.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health and Nutrition

  • Eating a variety of vegetables can lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
  • They are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are vital for good health.
  • Many vegetables are low in calories, making them a great choice for maintaining a healthy weight.

Culinary uses

  • Veggies can be eaten raw, cooked, steamed, or roasted, making them very versatile.
  • They are often featured in salads, soups, stir-fries, and many international cuisines.
  • Some dishes highlight vegetables as the main ingredient, like ratatouille and vegetable curry.

Cultural significance

  • In many cultures, vegetables play a central role in traditional diets, symbolizing health and wellness.
  • Festivals around the world celebrate harvests, showcasing the importance of vegetables in agriculture.
  • Certain vegetables, such as garlic and onions, are often associated with specific cultural rituals and beliefs.

Environmental Impact

  • Growing vegetables can be more sustainable than raising animals for food, as they require fewer resources.
  • Urban gardening and farming initiatives have gained popularity, promoting local production of vegetables.
  • Eating more plant-based foods, including vegetables, can help reduce carbon footprints and promote environmental health.

Origin of 'vegetables'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'vegetabilis', meaning 'growing' or 'pertaining to plants'.
  • In English, the term began being used in the late 14th century, initially referring to any plant.
  • Over time, it specifically referred to edible plants, distinguishing them from fruits and grains.

The word 'vegetables' comes from the Latin word 'vegetabilis', meaning 'lively' or 'animating'. Originally used to refer to all plant life, the term later became more specific to plants cultivated for food. Vegetables have been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, with evidence of their consumption dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks.

See also: vegetarian.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,982, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.