# napa

/ˈnæpə/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/napa
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a type of Chinese cabbage with long, pale green leaves and a mild flavor. It is often used in salads, soups, and stir-fry dishes.

For teachers: a variety of Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa pekinensis, characterized by its oblong shape and tightly packed, crinkled leaves. Often used in East Asian culinary contexts.

## Examples

- I bought a head of napa to make some fresh kimchi.
- The chef recommends using napa instead of regular green cabbage for a softer texture in the slaw.
- While many varieties of cabbage require long cooking times, napa wilt quickly and absorb the flavors of the broth, making it an ideal ingredient for hot pots.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the vegetable as a food category; countable when referring to individual heads of cabbage.

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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.