watercress
Americannoun
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a cress, Nasturtium officinale, of the mustard family, usually growing in clear, running streams and having pungent leaves.
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the leaves, used for salads, soups, and as a garnish.
noun
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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)
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any of several similar or related plants
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.
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 meal began with my favorite dish of the night: bone marrow with short rib marmalade, pickled mustard seeds, watercress salad, and crispy baguette.
From Salon ● Sep. 3, 2025
Ramps are also delicious alongside fresh watercress and roasted asparagus.
From Salon ● May 14, 2025
Garnish with a sprig or two of watercress or arugula.
From Salon ● Jan. 16, 2025
The soup was a masterwork, a delicate mingling of chicken, watercress, and garlic.
From "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
