What does radish mean?
A radish is a root vegetable with a crisp texture and a distinctively sharp, peppery flavor. Its root may be red, white, pink, yellow, purple, or black, and it is commonly eaten raw, sliced into salads, pickled, or served as a garnish. Young radishes are also harvested as radish sprouts. The radish belongs to the mustard family, alongside plants such as cabbage, mustard, and horseradish. Its name comes through Old English from the Latin radix, meaning “root,” the same broad etymological root found in radical and radicle. Although the familiar red radish is often associated with mild flavor, many varieties have a stronger taste. Radishes mature quickly, which makes them popular in cool-season gardens. The word is also used informally in British English to mean money, particularly a small amount.
nounAn edible root vegetable with a crisp texture and a pungent flavor, usually eaten raw in salads or preserved. The common radish has a red or white root, although some varieties are pink, yellow, or black.
- An edible root vegetable with a crisp texture and a sharp, peppery flavor.
- The plant that produces the radish root, belonging to the mustard family.
"She sliced the radishes and added them to the summer salad."
"The recipe calls for thinly sliced radishes, cucumber, and fresh mint."
"Fast-growing radishes can be harvested within a few weeks of sowing."
The standard plural adds “-es” to the consonant-final form.
"A bowl of fresh radishes was passed around the table."
The radish is a fast-growing member of the mustard family, and its familiar red skin conceals roots that may be white, yellow, purple, or even black.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does radish come from?
The word entered English through Old English rædic, which came from Latin radix, meaning “root” or “radish.” Latin borrowed the term from Greek rhádix, also meaning “root” or “radish.” The same root underlies words including radical, radicle, and eradicate.
How radish is actually used
The name usually refers to the edible root, while the whole plant may also be called a radish when discussing its growth or cultivation. In British English, the term is occasionally used informally for money, especially small denominations.