# broccoli

/ˈbɹɑkəɫi/ (US) · /bɹˈɒkəlˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/broccoli
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the vegetable

noun · CEFR A2

a green vegetable with a thick stalk and many small green flowers that look like a tree.

For teachers: an edible plant (Brassica oleracea var. italica) of the cabbage family, typically consumed as a vegetable. Both countable and uncountable depending on whether referring to the plant or the food.

- I like to steam broccoli with a little bit of lemon and salt.
- The chef recommended lightly blanching the broccoli to preserve its vibrant green colour and crisp texture before adding it to the stir-fry.

### 2. marijuana

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Slang · Informal

a slang word for marijuana.

For teachers: a slang euphemism for marijuana, referencing the physical resemblance of the dried flower buds to the vegetable.

- The song uses the word broccoli to talk about smoking weed.
- In modern hip-hop lyrics, the term broccoli frequently serves as a coded reference to cannabis consumption.

Usage: Typically used in informal speech or song lyrics to avoid more direct terms.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific slang term mostly found in American pop culture; learners should be aware of it but avoid using it in any professional or neutral context.

## Examples

- I like broccoli with my dinner.
- She steamed the broccoli until it was bright green and tender.
- The chef arranged the roasted broccoli on the plate to create a vibrant contrast against the white sauce.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.