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

Herbs: Anise, arugula, basil, bay, chives, cilantro, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, thyme and watercress. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024

Menu highlights include roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, cranberry compote, giblet gravy and watercress; Ora king salmon paired with basmati rice, pomegranate relish, golden raisins and spinach; or a delectable butternut squash black truffle risotto. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

Fluke Milanese appears on the as a minimalist adult fish stick paired with a petite salad of watercress, fennel, and shiso. —Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024

Brow Fix is also infused with softening silk, conditioning panthenol, and hydrating watercress extract. —Sarah Han, Allure, 5 Sep. 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