cress

What is another word for cress? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A small leafy plant with a sharp, peppery taste, related to cabbage, commonly grown for use in salads and sandwiches.

We haven't recorded synonyms for cress yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use cress

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

mustard and cress a sprig of cress cress sandwich grow cress

It is an everyday, informal word used mainly in cooking and gardening contexts.

Etymology

Cress goes back to Old English cressa and cærse, and further still to a shared Germanic root. Related words for the same plant appear in Dutch, German, Danish, Swedish and Icelandic, showing the word's long history in the Germanic language family.

Full origin of cress →

Frequently asked questions

What is cress?

Cress is a small, leafy plant with a peppery taste, usually eaten raw in salads or sandwiches.

Is cress the same as watercress?

Watercress is one particular type of cress that grows in water; cress on its own can refer to several related peppery salad plants.

Why do people grow cress on cotton wool?

Cress seeds sprout quickly with just water and light, which makes them a simple way to demonstrate plant growth, often used as a school activity.

Nearby words

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