A1noun1K

Vegetable

UK /["/ˈvedʒtəbl/"]/US /["/ˈvedʒtəbl/"]/

Definition

a plant or part of a plant that is eaten as food. Potatoes, beans and onions are all vegetables.

In simple words: A type of plant that people eat, usually not sweet.

Examples

  • The children don't eat enough **fresh vegetables**.
  • **root vegetables** *(= for example )
  • a **vegetable garden**
  • We grow our own vegetables.
  • a salad of raw vegetables
  • organic vegetables
  • a vegetable patch/plot
  • vegetable soup
  • vegetable matter *(= plants in general)*
  • Since losing my job I've been a vegetable.

Usage notes

The term 'vegetable' is widely used in everyday conversation and writing. It is appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. However, in scientific or culinary contexts, specific names of vegetables may be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'veg' as short for vegetable, just like a veggie garden filled with greens.

Collocations

  • fresh vegetables
  • cooked vegetables
  • vegetable garden

Synonyms

  • plant food
  • greens
  • produce
  • veggie

Antonyms

  • fruit
  • meat

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'fruit' — some fruits are often categorized as vegetables.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing as 'vegetables' when referring to a single type.
  • Using 'vegetable' to describe processed plant foods, which isn't always correct.