# greens

/ˈɡɹinz/ (US) · /ɡɹˈiːnz/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. leafy vegetables

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. military uniform

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. political party

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. decorative plants

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You should eat your greens to stay healthy.
- The chef served the grilled salmon on a bed of sautéed greens with a squeeze of lemon.
- Nutritionists emphasize the importance of incorporating dark leafy greens into daily meals due to their high concentration of essential vitamins and minerals.

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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.