turnip

[ tur-nip ]

noun

1. the thick, fleshy, edible root of either of two plants of the mustard family, the white-fleshed Brassica rapa rapifera or the yellow-fleshed rutabaga.
2. the plant itself.
3. the root of this plant used as a vegetable.

turnip

/ ˈtɜːnɪp /

noun

1. a widely cultivated plant, Brassica rapa , of the Mediterranean region, with a large yellow or white edible root: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)
2. the root of this plant, which is eaten as a vegetable
3. any of several similar or related plants
4. another name for kohlrabi

Other Words From

• turnip·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnip¹

1525–35; earlier turnep(e) , equivalent to turn (with reference to its neatly rounded shape) + nepe neep

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnip¹

C16: from earlier turnepe , perhaps from turn (indicating its rounded shape) + nepe , from Latin nāpus turnip; see neep