B2 noun Neutral

broccoli

/ˈbrɒk.əl.i/

A cool-season green vegetable belonging to the cabbage family, characterized by a thick stalk and large, flowering heads called florets. It is widely recognized as a superfood due to its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually steam some broccoli to go with our roast chicken dinner.

I usually steam some broccoli to go with our roast chicken dinner.

2

The nutritional analysis reveals that broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

The nutritional analysis reveals that broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

3

Ugh, my kid won't touch his broccoli unless I drown it in cheese sauce.

Ugh, my kid won't touch his broccoli unless I drown it in cheese sauce.

Word Family

Noun
broccoli
Related
broccolini
💡

Memory Tip

Think of broccoli as a 'miniature tree'—the two 'c's are the rounded branches, and the 'l' is the straight trunk.

Quick Quiz

To preserve the most nutrients, it is better to lightly steam the ___ rather than boiling it for a long time.

Correct!

The correct answer is: broccoli

Examples

1

I usually steam some broccoli to go with our roast chicken dinner.

everyday

I usually steam some broccoli to go with our roast chicken dinner.

2

The nutritional analysis reveals that broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

formal

The nutritional analysis reveals that broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

3

Ugh, my kid won't touch his broccoli unless I drown it in cheese sauce.

informal

Ugh, my kid won't touch his broccoli unless I drown it in cheese sauce.

4

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli contain sulforaphane, which is being studied for its anti-carcinogenic properties.

academic

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli contain sulforaphane, which is being studied for its anti-carcinogenic properties.

5

The regional agriculture department discussed the new export tariffs on frozen broccoli shipments.

business

The regional agriculture department discussed the new export tariffs on frozen broccoli shipments.

Word Family

Noun
broccoli
Related
broccolini

Common Collocations

steamed broccoli steamed broccoli
broccoli florets broccoli florets
roasted broccoli roasted broccoli
raw broccoli raw broccoli
broccoli cheddar soup broccoli cheddar soup

Common Phrases

eat your broccoli

eat your broccoli

a head of broccoli

a head of broccoli

chopped broccoli

chopped broccoli

Often Confused With

broccoli vs broccolini

Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable with smaller florets and longer, thin stalks compared to the thick stalks of standard broccoli.

broccoli vs cauliflower

While related, cauliflower is typically white and has a milder, nuttier flavor than green broccoli.

📝

Usage Notes

Broccoli is generally used as an uncountable mass noun when referring to it as a food item, but it can be countable when referring to individual 'heads' or varieties.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often struggle with the spelling, frequently forgetting the double 'c' or incorrectly adding a double 'l'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of broccoli as a 'miniature tree'—the two 'c's are the rounded branches, and the 'l' is the straight trunk.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Italian word 'broccoli', which is the plural form of 'broccolo', meaning the flowering crest of a cabbage.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable mass noun Used with the classifier 'head of' for counting No plural form 'broccolis' in standard culinary usage
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western pop culture, broccoli is frequently depicted as the stereotypical vegetable that children refuse to eat in cartoons and sitcoms.

Quick Quiz

To preserve the most nutrients, it is better to lightly steam the ___ rather than boiling it for a long time.

Correct!

The correct answer is: broccoli

Related Words

ready

A2

To be fully prepared for an action or an event. It describes a state where everything is set so that something can happen immediately without delay.

simple

A2

Something that is easy to understand, do, or use because it is not complicated. It can also describe something that is plain and basic in style, without extra decoration.

physical

A2

Relating to the body rather than the mind or feelings. It also describes things that exist in the real world and can be seen or touched.

general

A2

Describing something that affects most people or things rather than being specific to one. It is also used to describe a broad understanding of a topic without focusing on small details.

environmental

A2

Relating to the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. It is often used to describe things that involve protecting nature from damage caused by humans.

medical

A2

Relating to the science of medicine and the treatment of injuries or diseases. It is used to describe things connected to doctors, nurses, and the healthcare system.

traditional

A2

Following or belonging to the customs and beliefs that have been part of a group of people or a society for a long time. It describes practices that are done in the same way they have been done in the past rather than using new or modern methods.

private

A2

Describes something that belongs to a specific person or group and is not for public use. It also refers to a place or conversation where others are not allowed to listen or watch.

difficult

A2

Something that is hard to do, understand, or deal with because it requires a lot of effort or skill. It can also describe a person who is not easy to please or work with.

religious

A2

Describes someone who has a strong belief in a god or a group of gods and follows the practices of a religion. It can also refer to things that are connected with or related to a particular religion.

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