brussels sprout: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “brussels sprout” mean?
A small, green, cabbage-like vegetable that grows in clusters along a thick stalk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, green, cabbage-like vegetable that grows in clusters along a thick stalk.
Often used as a plural noun for the individual buds, but can also refer to the plant itself (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the singular form is rarely used in cooking/eating contexts; the vegetable is commonly referred to simply as 'sprouts'. In American English, the full term 'Brussels sprouts' is more consistently maintained.
Connotations
Strongly associated with Christmas/winter dinners in the UK; often humorously noted for being disliked by children.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, especially in autumn/winter.
Grammar
How to Use “brussels sprout” in a Sentence
verb + Brussels sprouts (e.g., cook, eat, hate)adjective + Brussels sprouts (e.g., roasted, burnt, delicious)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brussels sprout” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a sprout-hating child
American English
- a Brussels-sprout-based side dish
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agricultural, import/export, or supermarket contexts.
Academic
Botanical or nutritional science contexts.
Everyday
Extremely common in food, cooking, and seasonal/holiday discussions.
Technical
Horticulture or culinary arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brussels sprout”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brussels sprout”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brussels sprout”
- Misspelling as 'Brussel sprouts' (missing the 's' in Brussels).
- Using a singular verb with the plural noun form (e.g., 'Brussels sprouts is...' should be 'Brussels sprouts are...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. 'Brussels sprout' is the singular form for one bud or the plant. 'Brussels sprouts' is the plural form for the vegetables and is by far the most common usage.
It is always 'Brussels sprout(s)', with an 's' on Brussels, as it is named after the city of Brussels, Belgium.
In the UK and some other countries, they are a traditional winter vegetable harvested around late autumn/early winter, making them a staple for Christmas dinners.
Yes, they can be shaved or sliced thinly and eaten raw in salads, which gives a milder, nuttier flavour compared to when they are cooked.
A small, green, cabbage-like vegetable that grows in clusters along a thick stalk.
Brussels sprout is usually neutral in register.
Brussels sprout: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrʌsəlz ˈspraʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrʌsəlz ˈspraʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be about as welcome as a sprout at a kids' party (humorous, UK)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Brussels (the capital of Belgium) + sprout (a new growth). Imagine tiny cabbages sprouting on a stalk in a Belgian garden.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD AS A CHORE/CHALLENGE (e.g., 'getting the kids to eat their sprouts').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses the term correctly?