Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Veggie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🥦
Add to dictionary

veggie

[ˈvɛdʒi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food

A vegetable. A plant or part of a plant used as food, typically as accompaniment to meat or fish.

Synonyms

greens, produce, vegetable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
veggie

Informal and casual conversations, often used in everyday speech. It’s a more friendly and light-hearted term.

  • I'm making a veggie stir-fry for dinner.
  • Do you want some veggie sticks with your dip?
vegetable

Formal and general term for any plant or part of a plant that is used as food. Suitable for both written and spoken contexts.

  • You should include more vegetables in your diet.
  • They grow a variety of vegetables in their garden.
greens

Specifically referring to leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and lettuce. Commonly used in contexts related to healthy eating or specific types of produce.

  • Make sure to eat your greens to stay healthy.
  • The salad is full of fresh greens from the garden.
produce

Refers broadly to fresh fruits and vegetables and is commonly used in grocery stores, markets, and discussions about shopping for food.

  • I'll be at the market to pick up some fresh produce.
  • The produce section is right next to the bakery.

Examples of usage

  • I try to eat more veggies to stay healthy.
  • She loves to cook with fresh veggies.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nutrition

  • Eating a variety of veggies provides essential vitamins and minerals, which are vital for a healthy body.
  • Most vegetables are low in calories but high in fiber, which helps in digestion.
  • Dark green, red, and orange vegetables are particularly rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells.

Pop Culture

  • The 'VeggieTales' series features animated vegetables that teach moral lessons, making veggies fun for children.
  • A colorful character named 'Mr. Potato Head' popularizes eating vegetables, promoting playful representations to kids.
  • In social media, hashtags like #VeggieLife and #PlantBased emphasize the growing trend of incorporating more vegetables into diets.

Health

  • Research shows that a diet rich in vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
  • Incorporating more veggies into meals is often recommended for weight management and overall wellness.
  • Vegetarian and vegan diets, primarily composed of veggies, are increasingly recognized for their environmental benefits.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures celebrate vegetables in festivals, such as Japan's 'Natsu Matsuri' which honors summer crops.
  • Many traditional dishes around the world are centered on vegetables, showcasing their versatility in cuisines.
  • In some societies, certain vegetables hold symbolic meanings, like the importance of garlic in Mediterranean cultures for protection and health.

Origin of 'veggie'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'veggie' is a slang term that became popular in the 20th century to refer to vegetables.
  • It is a shortening of 'vegetable', which has Latin roots in the word 'vegetabilis', meaning 'growing, thriving'.
  • In culinary culture, 'veggie' often implies freshness and healthiness associated with a plant-based diet.

The term 'veggie' is a shortened form of 'vegetable', which originated from the Latin word 'vegetabilis', meaning 'animating' or 'enlivening'. The use of 'veggie' to refer to vegetables as food has become popular in modern times due to the growing interest in vegetarian and plant-based diets.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,881 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.