okra

[ oh-kruh ]

noun

1. a shrub, Abelmoschus esculentus, of the mallow family, bearing beaked pods.
2. the pods, used in soups, stews, etc.
3. a dish made with the pods.

okra

/ ˈəʊkrə /

noun

1. Also calledladies' fingers an annual malvaceous plant, Hibiscus esculentus, of the Old World tropics, with yellow-and-red flowers and edible oblong sticky green pods
2. See gumbo
   the pod of this plant, eaten in soups, stews, etc See also gumbo

Word History and Origins

Origin of okra¹

First recorded in 1670–80; said to be of West African origin, though precise source unknown; compare Igbo ókùrù okra

Word History and Origins

Origin of okra¹

C18: of W African origin

Example Sentences

What prompted a lot of that was making trips home and getting bags full of okra, heirloom tomatoes to bring back.

From Washington Post

Moral of the story here is that if your version of a healthy diet consists of fresh veggies and grains, but you’re worried you won’t be able to eat it all before it goes bad, go with pre-cooked quinoa or okra crisps.

From Popular-Science

The insects can damage crops such as corn, soybeans and okra, and can also sting humans.

From Science News

We played there endlessly, and Mama planted a garden of greens, okra and peppers.

From The Daily Beast

A West African native, okra is one of the stranger vegetables to make its way into regional American cuisine.

From The Daily Beast

But okra is not just a vegetable of West Africa and North America.

From The Daily Beast

Although okra originated in Africa, it is for the most part grown in the southern section of the United States.

From Project Gutenberg

OKRA is a fruit vegetable consisting of a green pod that is several inches long, pointed at one end, and filled with seeds.

From Project Gutenberg

When seasoned well with salt, pepper, and butter, stewed okra finds much favor with those who care for this vegetable.

From Project Gutenberg

Select the required number of okra pods and put them on to cook in enough boiling salted water to cover them well.

From Project Gutenberg

Heat the okra and tomatoes together in a saucepan and add the salt, pepper, and ham or bacon fat.

From Project Gutenberg