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.

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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

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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

On the other hand, crops such as sunflower, durum wheat, soybean, chickpeas, lemon and okra could become more viable, particularly in southwestern England or near the Scottish coast.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

Atlanta-based entrepreneur Tamara Lucas recently started her own garden in her backyard to keep a lid on rising costs, growing okra, kale and broccoli to help feed her two teenage boys.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

Drain okra from egg-milk soak using a slotted spoon or spider and place in bag of flour-cornmeal mixture.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2025

Many locals though put their fertility down to a dish called "ilasa", made from okra leaves.

From BBC • May 9, 2024

Mama dished up bowls of okra soup over the rice and placed them on the table.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce