radish

American  

[rad-ish] / ˈræd ɪʃ /

noun

1. the crisp, pungent, edible root of the plant, Raphanus sativus, of the mustard family, usually eaten raw.

2. the plant itself.

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radish British  

/ ˈrædɪʃ /

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Raphanus , esp R. sativus of Europe and Asia, cultivated for its edible root: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

2. the root of this plant, which has a pungent taste and is eaten raw in salads

3. another name for white charlock See charlock

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• radishlike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of radish

before 1000; late Middle English radish ( e ), variant (compare Old French radise, variant of radice ) of Middle English radich ( e ), Old English rǣdic < Latin rādīc- (stem of rādīx root ¹ ); compare Old High German rātih, German Rettich

Explanation

That slightly bitter, crunchy vegetable you pulled out of the garden bed is a radish. Many people love to eat sliced radishes on salads or buttered toast. Even gardeners who don't love the taste of radishes like to grow them alongside other plants, since their strong scent is a natural insect repellant. While these root vegetables come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, the most common type of radish is small, round, and red or dark pink. The root word of radish simply (and aptly) means "root."

Example Sentences

They banked almost 500,000 seeds from 19 species, including relatives of lettuce, parsnip, strawberry, radish, quinoa, blackberry, alfalfa and several species used as fodder crops for livestock.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

"Genetic diversity is a resource for us too as humans, especially the wild relatives of crops. We've got quite a few in Wales, like sea radish, sea carrot, sea cabbage," said Kevin.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Her well-loved peanut butter lengua, little squares of braised tongue topped with grilled radish and pickled onion, arrived on a plate streaked with spicy peanut sauce.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

The beauty of radish greens is that they can be eaten raw or cooked.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2025

Two spools of thread, one white chess bishop, and six parts of a jigsaw puzzle...A teaspoon and a closed box of safety matches...A radish, two pennies, a nickel, and a golf ball.

From "Mr. Popper's Penguins" by Florence Atwater and Richard Atwater