English Reference

Word

greens

US/ˈɡɹinz/

UK/ɡɹˈiːnz/

Definitions

01leafy vegetables

B1 · Intermediate Plural noun Cooking

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

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

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

“The chef recommended sautéing the winter greens with a bit of garlic and lemon to balance their natural bitterness.”

Synonyms

vegetablesleafy greens

02military uniform

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Military American English

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

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

“The soldiers stood in their greens during the morning ceremony.”

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

Synonyms

fatiguesuniform

03political party

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Informal

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

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

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

“Political analysts suggest that the Greens may hold the balance of power in the upcoming coalition negotiations.”

04decorative plants

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Literary

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

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

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

“The cathedral was adorned with fresh greens for the ceremony, filling the air with the scent of pine and cedar.”

Synonyms

Etymology

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”).

From green (verb).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Military

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/greens

English Reference