arugula

noun

aru·gu·la ə-ˈrü-gə-lə

-gyə-

: a yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herb (Eruce sativa synonym E. vesicaria sativa) of the mustard family cultivated for its foliage which is used especially in salads

called also garden rocket, rocket, roquette, rugola

Examples of arugula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In a large serving bowl, combine the strawberries, spinach, arugula, goat cheese, and candied pecans. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Paired with peppery arugula and briny feta, the charred melon becomes the centerpiece in a salad that balances sweet, salty and savory notes in every bite. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Klinger adds that leafy greens contain about 92 percent water, making arugula a low-calorie, high-volume nutritional powerhouse. — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 Juicy chicken, squash, red onion, and walnuts cook together on a sheet pan, then get heaped over arugula for a cold-weather salad that satisfies like a Sunday roast. — Emily Paster, Midwest Living, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arugula

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, probably from a southern dialectal form of Tuscan ruca, rucola, as Neapolitan arucola, arucolo, with English spelling -gu- reflecting lenis articulation of consonants and reduction of vowels — more at rocket entry 1

Note: For similar reflection in English spelling of southern Italian articulation compare agita, goombah. Forms with the initial ēr- of the Latin etymon ērūca "arugula, Eruca vesicaria" opened to ar- are widespread in Italian dialects—see Lessico etimologico italiano, letter E, columns 733-34.

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of arugula was in 1960

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Aruban

arugula

aruhe

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Style

“Arugula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arugula. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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arugula

noun

Examples of arugula in a Sentence

Word History

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