What does "greens" mean?

1. (leafy vegetables) leafy green vegetables that you cook or eat in a salad. 2. (military uniform) a green uniform worn by members of the military, especially in the US. 3. (political party) members of a political group that focuses on protecting the environment. 4. (decorative plants) green leaves or branches used to decorate a room or a building.

greens

US //ˈɡɹinz// UK //ɡɹˈiːnz// greens

1 leafy vegetables (n.)
B1 Intermediate Cooking

leafy green vegetables that you cook or eat in a salad.

leafy vegetables or the edible parts of plants containing chlorophyll, typically consumed as food.

Example

You should eat your greens if you want to stay healthy.

Example

The chef recommended sautéing the winter greens with a bit of garlic and lemon to balance their natural bitterness.
- vegetables
- leafy greens
2 military uniform (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate American English Military

a green uniform worn by members of the military, especially in the US.

a service or dress uniform of a green colour, specifically associated with certain branches of the United States military.

Example

The soldiers stood in their greens during the morning ceremony.

Example

He appeared at the gala in his dress greens, with every medal polished to a high shine for the inspection.
- fatigues
- uniform

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3 political party (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

members of a political group that focuses on protecting the environment.

members or representatives of a political party focused on environmentalism and social justice.

Example

The Greens gained several seats in the local election this year.

Example

Political analysts suggest that the Greens may hold the balance of power in the upcoming coalition negotiations.
- environmentalists
4 decorative plants (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary

green leaves or branches used to decorate a room or a building.

leafy plants or branches used for ornamental purposes, often in festive or interior decoration.

Example

They decorated the hall with winter greens and red ribbons for the party.

Example

The cathedral was adorned with fresh greens for the ceremony, filling the air with the scent of pine and cedar.
- foliage
- greenery

Etymology 1

From Middle English grenes, equivalent to green + -s. Compare Saterland Frisian Gräinieten (“vegetable”), West Frisian grienten (“vegetables, greens”), Dutch groenten (“vegetables, greens”), German Low German Gröönten (“vegetables, greens”), Danish grøntsager (“vegetables”), Swedish grönsaker (“vegetables”).

Etymology 2

From green (verb).