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watercress

American  
[waw-ter-kres, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌkrɛs, ˈwɒt ər- /

noun

  1. a cress, Nasturtium officinale, of the mustard family, usually growing in clear, running streams and having pungent leaves.

  2. the leaves, used for salads, soups, and as a garnish.


watercress British  
/ ˈwɔːtəˌkrɛs /

noun

  1. an Old World plant, Nasturtium officinale , of clear ponds and streams, having pungent leaves that are used in salads and as a garnish: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

  2. any of several similar or related plants

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of watercress

1300–50; Middle English; cognate with Middle Dutch, Middle Low German waterkerse. See water, cress

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A 17-time world watercress eating champion is preparing to defend his title at an annual event celebrating the leafy green vegetable.

From BBC May 17, 2026

The Alresford Watercress Festival in Hampshire marks the start of watercress season in the UK and a highlight of the event is The World Watercress Eating Championships.

From BBC May 17, 2026

Per LaMarita, radish greens are best enjoyed raw in salads and mixed with fresh kale, watercress, arugula, parsley or baby greens.

From Salon Jun. 9, 2025

Or a simple salad with almonds and watercress or a garlic-strawberry sauce that’s great on pork tenderloins and grilled chicken.

From Salon May 23, 2025

Berries and watercress would only go so far, though.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

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