Meaning & Definition of word "Okra"

Okra

/ˈoʊkrə/

noun:

  • 1. A flowering plant in the mallow family, known for its edible green seed pods.
    • Example: I made a delicious gumbo with fresh okra from the farmer's market.
  • 2. The green seed pods of the okra plant, used in cooking.
    • Example: Fried okra is a popular side dish in Southern cuisine.
  • 3. A key ingredient in many dishes, particularly in Creole and Cajun cooking.
    • Example: She added diced okra to the stew to thicken it and enhance the flavor.
  • 4. A vegetable often used in salads, soups, and other dishes.
    • Example: Sliced okra adds a unique texture to the vegetable medley.
  • 5. A source of dietary fiber and vitamins.
    • Example: Including okra in your diet can contribute to overall health due to its nutritional value.

Etymology

The word 'okra' comes from the West African language Igbo, where it is called 'ọkro.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

okra gumbo:

A dish made with okra, typically a thick stew popular in Louisiana cuisine.

fried okra:

A dish made by battering and frying slices of okra.

okra stew:

A stew that includes okra as a main ingredient, often with tomatoes and other vegetables.

Related Words

vegetable:

A plant or part of a plant used as food.

cooking:

The act of preparing food.

Slang Meanings of okra

Meaning: A way to refer to okra in Southern cooking contexts.

Example Sentence: That dish was so good, it's got the okra magic!

Meaning: Slang used to describe something that is slimy or gooey, akin to the texture of cooked okra.

Example Sentence: I don't like that soup; it has an okra vibe.