sprout
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a new part of a plant, like a leaf or stem, that is just beginning to grow.
n.a new growth on a plant, such as a bud or shoot, emerging from a seed or an existing stem.
Simple“After the rain, small green sprouts appeared on the branches of the old tree.”
In context“The gardener carefully inspected the delicate sprouts emerging from the soil, ensuring the frost had not damaged the young seedlings.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.seeds that have just started to grow and are eaten as a healthy food.
n.germinated seeds, such as alfalfa or mung beans, typically consumed raw or lightly cooked for their nutritional value.
Simple“I like to add bean sprouts to my salad for a bit of crunch.”
In context“The chef garnished the stir-fry with fresh bean sprouts to provide a crisp texture that contrasted with the tender noodles.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a small, round, green vegetable that looks like a tiny cabbage.
n.a small, edible green bud of the Brassica oleracea plant, resembling a miniature cabbage.
Simple“We usually have roasted sprouts with our big dinner at Christmas.”
In context“Many children dislike the bitter taste of boiled sprouts, though roasting them with balsamic vinegar often improves their appeal.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to start to grow or produce new parts.
v.to produce new growth or to begin the process of germination.
Simple“The seeds we planted last week are finally starting to sprout.”
In context“Under the right conditions of moisture and warmth, the dormant seeds will sprout within a matter of days.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to appear or grow quickly and in large numbers.
v.to emerge or develop rapidly and often in an unplanned or haphazard manner.
Simple“New coffee shops are sprouting up all over the city lately.”
In context“Dozens of luxury apartment complexes have sprouted along the waterfront, fundamentally changing the city's skyline within a single decade.”
“The little boy’s family doesn’t think the carrot seed will sprout.”
From Middle English sproute, either from Middle English sprouten (“to sprout”) (see below); or from Middle Dutch sprute or Middle Low German sprûte (“sprout”), all related to Proto-West Germanic *spreutan. Doublet of spruit.
From Middle English sprouten, spruten, from Old English sprūtan, from Proto-West Germanic spreutan, from Proto-Germanic spreutaną.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.