What does arugula mean?
Arugula is an annual herb of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), scientifically known as Eruca sativa, grown for its tender green leaves that have a distinctive peppery, slightly bitter flavor. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has been eaten since Roman times and remains a staple of Italian cuisine, where it is known as rucola. Today it appears most often in salads, on pizzas, in sandwiches and pastas, and as a fresh garnish, prized for adding a sharp, mustardy note that balances rich ingredients like cheese and cured meats. In American English the plant is called arugula, while British speakers know it as rocket; both names describe exactly the same vegetable. Young leaves sold as baby arugula are milder than mature ones. Its long history, bold flavor, and central place in modern salad culture make it one of the most recognizable culinary greens in the world.
A peppery salad green consisting of the leaves of Eruca sativa, a Mediterranean plant of the mustard family; also the plant itself.
"He topped the flatbread with prosciutto, shaved parmesan, and a bed of arugula."
Called 'rocket' in British English; 'arugula' is the standard American term.
The leaves themselves, treated as an ingredient or foodstuff when bought, cooked, or served.
"Add a handful of arugula to the pan at the end so it wilts slightly."
Usually treated as an uncountable mass noun in cooking contexts.
Rarely used; arugula is normally an uncountable mass noun referring to a quantity of leaves. The countable plural would apply only to individual plants.
"Several arugulas grow wild along the field margins."
Arugula's name traveled through Italian 'rucola' from Latin 'eruca', meaning caterpillar — likely because the plant was once used to feed them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of arugula
Arugula derives ultimately from Latin eruca, which denoted the plant itself (the Latin word could also refer to a caterpillar, possibly because the greens were fed to larvae). The word passed into Italian as ruchetta or rucola, and French adopted it as roquette. American English borrowed the term via French, yielding 'arugula', while British English took its name 'rocket' more directly from the French roquette. The two names thus share a single Latin ancestor and refer to the same plant.
How arugula is actually used
In American English the word is 'arugula'; in British English the same plant is almost always called 'rocket'. Both terms refer to Eruca sativa. 'Baby arugula' refers to younger, smaller, milder leaves and is common on restaurant menus. The plural form is rarely needed since arugula is typically sold or served in bulk quantities rather than counted as individual items.
Easily confused with arugula
Rocket is simply the same plant under its British English name — 'arugula' is the American term, not a different vegetable.