watercress

noun

wa·​ter·​cress ˈwȯ-tər-ˌkres 

ˈwä-

1

: any of several aquatic or semiaquatic cresses

especially : a perennial cress (Nasturtium officinale) native to Europe and southwestern Asia that is naturalized in the U.S. and has leaves used especially in salads or as a potherb

2

: the leaves of a watercress

Examples of watercress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Guests ate watercress sandwiches and sipped a cocktail invented by O’Donoghue: the Soiled Kimono, two parts champagne and one part Japanese plum wine. —Susan Morrison, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025

This was an oyster dish made with watercress, scallions, celery, anise, and other seasonings created in 1899 by Jules Alciatore of Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans. —John Mariani, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Rich in vitamin C and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine, watercress is part of the cruciferous family (think: cauliflower). —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2024

Aids in detoxification and liver health The natural compounds in watercress, like sulfur, can enhance the body’s natural detoxification process and support liver function, according to Poon. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 12 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

watercress

noun

wa·​ter·​cress -ˌkres 

: a plant that is related to the mustards and the cabbage, grows especially in clear running water, and has crisp peppery-tasting leaves used especially in salads

also : the leaves of a watercress