noun

arugula

uh-ROO-guh-luh

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Arugula (noun) means a peppery salad green, also called rocket, with a distinctive sharp, slightly bitter flavor. Example: “She tossed the arugula with olive oil, lemon, and shaved parmesan.”

noun

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 notes

In 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

rocket →

Common pairings

arugula salad baby arugula peppery arugula

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: arugulas

Test yourself on “arugula” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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She tossed the _____ with olive oil, lemon, and shaved parmesan.

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.

Origin: Italian

Synonyms

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roquette rugola rugula garden rocket rocket

Related words

rocket missile projectile plummet skyrocket

Rhymes for arugula

Ula hula Tula uvula Paula copula Ursula nebula fibula Dracula spatula scapula

See all rhymes for arugula →

Frequently asked questions

What does “arugula” mean?

The word “arugula” means a peppery salad green, also called rocket, with a distinctive sharp, slightly bitter flavor. In plain terms, a leafy green used raw in salads or as a pizza topping, known for its peppery bite.

How do you pronounce “arugula”?

“Arugula” is pronounced uh-ROO-guh-luh (/əˈɹuɡələ/ in IPA).

How do you use “arugula” in a sentence?

Here is “arugula” used in a sentence: “She tossed the arugula with olive oil, lemon, and shaved parmesan.”

What is another word for “arugula”?

Words with a similar meaning to “arugula” include rugola, rugula, garden rocket and rocket.

What part of speech is “arugula”?

“Arugula” is a noun.

Where does the word “arugula” come from?

The word “arugula” comes from Italian. 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.

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