bok choy

American  

[bok choi] / ˈbɒk ˈtʃɔɪ /

Or bok-choy

noun

1. a type of Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa chinensis, with long, broad, dark green leaves and pale stalks that form a cluster rather than a head, grown throughout East Asia and cultivated elsewhere, especially northern Europe, as the plant can withstand a cold climate.

2. the leaves and stalks of this plant eaten as a raw or cooked vegetable, especially in East Asian cuisine.

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bok choy British  

/ ˈbɒk ˈtʃɔɪ /

noun

1. Also called: Chinese cabbage.   Chinese leaf.   pak-choi cabbage.  a Chinese plant, Brassica chinensis, that is related to the cabbage and has edible stalks and leaves

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Etymology

Origin of bok choy

First recorded in 1845–50; from Chinese dialect (Guangdong) baahk-chòi, literally, “white vegetable,” akin to Chinese báicài

Compare meaning

How does bok-choy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• napa cabbage vs. bok choy

Example Sentences

We loved the coulotte, served with roasted kale purée and bok choy, which felt positively decadent.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

Hsiao grew up in Laguna Beach, where her parents, Taiwanese immigrants, ran a farm specializing in Chinese fruits and vegetables such as bok choy and bamboo shoots.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

In this study, the researchers applied the sensors for hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid to pak choi, a leafy green vegetable also known as bok choy or Chinese cabbage.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2024

Cook: Somen noodles with poached egg, bok choy and mushrooms is a perfect salve for cold winter days.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2024

Friday morning Joe walked to the farmer's market and bought onions, bok choy, lettuce, and carrots.

From Joe Burke's Last Stand by Wetterau, John Moncure