Vegetable

/ˈvɛdʒ.tə.bəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A plant or part of a plant used as food, typically as a savory dish.
I added a variety of vegetables to the stir-fry for extra flavor.
A person or animal with very little mental or physical activity, often due to illness or injury.
After the accident, he felt like a vegetable for months as he recovered.
adjective
Of or relating to plants or plant life, especially in terms of being edible.
She follows a strictly vegetable diet for health reasons.

Etymology

From Latin vegetabilis, which means 'growing' or 'flourishing'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

vegetable garden:
A garden where vegetables are grown.
couch potato:
A lazy person who spends too much time sitting and watching television, often equated with being like a 'vegetable'.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A person who is in a state of unresponsiveness or inactivity.
After his injury, he became a vegetable.
Someone who is dull or lacks energy.
Stop being such a vegetable and join us for a hike.