noun
Common
greens
greenz
Greens (noun) means Leafy green vegetables eaten as food. Example: “Make sure you eat your greens with dinner.”
noun
1
Leafy green vegetables eaten as food.
"Make sure you eat your greens with dinner."
"The market stall sold fresh spinach and other greens."
"My grandmother always cooked a pot of greens with Sunday lunch."
How to use greens
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLeafy vegetables like spinach, kale, or cabbage, especially as a category of healthy food.
Common pairings
leafy greens
eat your greens
salad greens
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Etymology
From Middle English grenes, simply the plural of green used to mean edible leafy vegetables.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for greens
See all rhymes for greens →Frequently asked questions
What does “greens” mean?
The word “greens” means leafy green vegetables eaten as food. In plain terms, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, or cabbage, especially as a category of healthy food.
How do you pronounce “greens”?
“Greens” is pronounced greenz (/ɡɹiːnz/ in IPA).
How do you use “greens” in a sentence?
Here is “greens” used in a sentence: “Make sure you eat your greens with dinner.”
What part of speech is “greens”?
“Greens” is a noun.
Where does the word “greens” come from?
The word “greens” comes from Middle English. From Middle English grenes, simply the plural of green used to mean edible leafy vegetables.
Is “greens” a common word?
“Greens” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "greens" and "lettuce"?
"Greens" is a broad term for leafy green vegetables eaten as food, including varieties like spinach, kale, and collards, while "lettuce" refers to one specific type of leafy green typically used in salads. Lettuce is one example within the larger category of greens.
Why are "greens" often mentioned in discussions of healthy eating?
"Greens" are frequently highlighted in healthy eating advice because leafy green vegetables are generally low in calories and considered nutrient-dense, making them a common recommendation in balanced diets. Phrases like "eat your greens" reflect this association with nutrition.
Is "greens" always plural?
Yes, when referring to leafy green vegetables as food, "greens" is used in the plural form, similar to words like "vegetables." It does not typically appear in a singular form with this meaning.
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