okra

noun

ˈō-krə 

 Southern also  -krē

1

: a tall annual herb (Abelmoschus esculentus) of the mallow family that is cultivated for its mucilaginous green pods used especially in soups or stews

also : the pods of this plant

2

: gumbo entry 1 sense 1

Examples of okra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of these, such as okra, millets, and pigeon peas, have historically been overlooked and under harvested. —Daniela De Lorenzo, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Want to wander through fresh crops like okra, peanuts and sweet potatoes? —Alexis Clinton, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024

Sides like crispy okra, jollof rice, and callaloo were just as notable as the main dishes, though the star of the meal was the Mom Dukes Shrimp, served whole and bathed in a decadent Creole butter. —Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2024

Carolina Low Country Gumbo At Milk & Honey at The Wharf in Washington DC, this gumbo is made with crab meat, shrimp, okra and rice. —Aly Walansky, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

of African origin; akin to Ibo ókùrù okra

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

okra

noun

ˈō-krə 

: a tall herb related to the hollyhocks and grown for its edible green pods which are used especially in soups and stews

also : these pods