okra

American  

[oh-kruh] / ˈoʊ krə /

noun

1. a shrub, Abelmoschus esculentus, of the mallow family, bearing beaked pods.

2. the pods, used in soups, stews, etc.

3. a dish made with the pods.

---

okra British  

/ ˈəʊkrə /

noun

1. Also called: ladies' fingers.  an annual malvaceous plant, Hibiscus esculentus, of the Old World tropics, with yellow-and-red flowers and edible oblong sticky green pods

2. the pod of this plant, eaten in soups, stews, etc See also gumbo

---

Etymology

Origin of okra

First recorded in 1670–80; said to be of West African origin, though precise source unknown; compare Igbo ókùrù okra

Example Sentences

But there is one little thing: Okra, like marshmallow root and aloe vera, is mucilaginous, meaning it can get slimy when sliced and cooked.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2025

Karen Okra, from the arts group Back to Ours, said measuring the success of Hull 2017 didn't involve economics or balance sheets.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2023

Okra has a long growing season, from early summer until the first frost.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2022

Okra masala is another fine meatless dish, and an example of how Aujla sometimes involves herself in a recipe.

From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 2022

I’ve never seen Okra hate anybody except you.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy