Brussels sprout

American  

[bruhs-uhlz sprout] / ˈbrʌs əlz ˈspraʊt /

Or brussels sprout

noun

1. Botany. a cruciferous plant, Brassica oleracea gemmifera, having small, cabbagelike heads or buds along the stalk that are eaten as a vegetable.

   The Brussels sprout is a cool-season crop.

   Brussels sprouts were introduced to California agriculture around 1920.

2. Usually Brussels sprouts. any of the heads or buds, eaten as a vegetable.

   When preparing a medley of roasted vegetables, don’t forget the Brussels sprouts.

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Brussels sprout British  

noun

1. a variety of cabbage, Brassica oleracea gemmifera , having a stout stem studded with budlike heads of tightly folded leaves, resembling tiny cabbages

2. the head of this plant, eaten as a vegetable

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Etymology

Origin of Brussels sprout

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Their Brussels sprout appetizer with balsamic glaze is amazing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Falling turkey and Brussels sprout prices mean Christmas dinner will cost a little less at the supermarket checkout this year.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2024

Gently mound the crispy Brussels sprout leaves on top of the quartered Brussels sprouts.

From Fox News • Nov. 19, 2021

The $40 menu — well, actually the $38.64 menu — includes game hens with cornbread stuffing, a citrusy shaved Brussels sprout salad, twice-baked sweet potatoes with honey-glazed pecans and an easy-to-make cranberry trifle.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2021

He looked around, through his tears, and there, sitting on a Brussels sprout, was Margalo.

From "Stuart Little" by E.B. White