broccolini: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, culinary
Quick answer
What does “broccolini” mean?
A hybrid vegetable with long, slender stalks and small florets, produced by crossing broccoli with gai lan (Chinese kale).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hybrid vegetable with long, slender stalks and small florets, produced by crossing broccoli with gai lan (Chinese kale).
A tender, mild-flavored green vegetable, often used as a more delicate, stem-focused alternative to regular broccoli. It is a trademarked name for the specific hybrid 'Asparation'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'broccolini' is understood but less common in the UK, where the visually similar 'tenderstem broccoli' is the dominant marketed variety. 'Tenderstem' is a registered trademark in the UK, just as 'Broccolini' is in the US.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes a trendy, upscale, or gourmet vegetable. In the UK, 'tenderstem broccoli' carries similar connotations, while 'broccolini' might be seen as an Americanism.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially in food media, restaurants, and upscale grocery stores. Lower frequency in everyday British English.
Grammar
How to Use “broccolini” in a Sentence
[cook/prepare/serve] + broccolini[roast/sauté/steam] + broccolini + [with/in] + [garlic/lemon/olive oil]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broccolini” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A broccolini salad was the star of the starter menu.
American English
- The broccolini side dish was perfectly al dente.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in contexts of agriculture, import/export, or restaurant supply.
Academic
Used in botanical or agricultural studies discussing hybrid cultivars.
Everyday
Used in home cooking, grocery shopping, and restaurant menus.
Technical
Used in horticulture for the specific Brassica hybrid (Brassica oleracea var. italica × alboglabra).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broccolini”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broccolini”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broccolini”
- Misspelling as 'broccolinni' or 'brocolini'.
- Using 'broccolini' as a plural noun (it is usually uncountable; e.g., 'some broccolini', not 'three broccolinis').
- Confusing it with broccoli rabe/rapini, which is bitter and leafy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a common misconception. Broccolini is a specific hybrid cultivar, not merely young or small broccoli.
Yes, the entire stalk of broccolini is tender and edible, which is a key difference from mature broccoli.
You can, but adjust cooking times as broccolini cooks faster due to its thinner stems, and it has a milder, sweeter flavor.
It is a trademarked hybrid with specific growing requirements, and it is often marketed as a premium or gourmet vegetable.
A hybrid vegetable with long, slender stalks and small florets, produced by crossing broccoli with gai lan (Chinese kale).
Broccolini is usually informal, culinary in register.
Broccolini: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɒk.əˈliː.ni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑː.kəˈliː.ni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BROCCOli' + 'mariNI' (as in thin/spaghetti-like). It's broccoli that's been made long and thin like a noodle.
Conceptual Metaphor
BROCCOLINI IS A DELICATE VERSION OF BROCCOLI (implying refinement, tenderness, and premium quality).
Practice
Quiz
What is broccolini primarily?