noun
arugula
uh-ROO-guh-luh
noun
1
A peppery salad green, also called rocket, with a distinctive sharp, slightly bitter flavor.
"She tossed the arugula with olive oil, lemon, and shaved parmesan."
"The pizza came topped with fresh arugula and prosciutto."
How to Use Arugula
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA leafy green used raw in salads or as a pizza topping, known for its peppery bite.
UK vs US
Americans say arugula; British speakers almost always say rocket for the same plant.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
arugula salad
baby arugula
peppery arugula
Word Forms
arugulas plural
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Etymology
Borrowed into American English from a southern Italian dialect word related to standard Italian rucola; British English instead uses "rocket," from the same ultimate root.