What does veg mean?
Veg is an informal English noun meaning a vegetable or vegetables collectively. It is especially common in British English, where phrases such as "fresh veg," "organic veg," and "eat more veg" are natural in everyday conversation, although the word is also understood in informal US usage. The singular "a veg" can refer to one vegetable, but the plural sense is frequently expressed with the same unmarked form, as when someone says "There is loads of veg in the fridge." Veg can also be used as a verb, particularly in British informal speech, meaning to idle, do nothing, or spend time relaxing without doing anything productive. The noun is a shortened form of "vegetable," while the verb developed from the idea of vegetating. Together, these meanings reflect the word's long-standing association with plants, growth, and living things, even when it is used casually to describe food or inactivity.
An informal term for a vegetable or for vegetables collectively.
"The market sells seasonal veg and fresh fruit."
Chiefly British and informal. The word often has a collective sense and may be used without a plural ending.
To idle, do nothing, or spend time in a relaxed, inactive way.
"We spent the afternoon vegging at home."
Informal, especially associated with British English. The gerund "vegging" is common in phrases such as "vegging out."
The standard plural is "vegs," but it is often avoided in favor of using "veg" collectively, as in "some veg."
"The recipe uses three vegs: carrots, parsnips, and leeks."
Veg is short for vegetable, but it has also developed a verb meaning: to idle or do absolutely nothing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of veg
The noun developed as an informal shortening of "vegetable" in the late nineteenth century. "Vegetable" entered English from French and ultimately derives from Latin roots associated with growing or plant life. The verb is a colloquial shortening of "vegetate," whose extended sense of living an inactive or idle life underlies modern usage such as "vegging out."
Related word forms
How veg is actually used
The noun is chiefly informal and especially associated with British English; it is also used by some speakers in the United States and other English-speaking regions. It can refer to one vegetable, though it is often used collectively, as in "some veg." The verb is informal and generally implies a period of deliberate idleness rather than ordinary rest or relaxation.
Easily confused with veg
A wedge is a tapered tool or block used to split, secure, or support something, whereas veg is an informal term for a vegetable or vegetables.