What does vegie mean?
The word vegie is an informal spelling of “veggie,” used for a vegetable and, especially in the plural “vegies,” for vegetables in general. It is common in conversational British, Australian, and New Zealand English, and it is also understood in other English-speaking regions. “VEGIE” conveys a relaxed, everyday tone rather than the more neutral or formal register of “vegetable.” The singular is used for an individual vegetable, as in “a vegie,” while the plural commonly refers to vegetables collectively. The word is often found in expressions connected with growing or preparing food, such as “vegie garden,” “vegie patch,” and “vegie burger.” Its alternative spelling does not introduce a separate meaning; it is simply a familiar spelling variant of “veggie,” a shortened form of “vegetable.”
nounAn informal spelling of “veggie,” meaning a vegetable. It may refer to vegetables collectively or to an individual vegetable.
- An informal alternative spelling of “veggie,” referring to a vegetable or vegetables generally.
"We grew tomatoes and other vegies in the garden."
"She put the chopped vegie into the soup."
"The vegie patch is full of beans, carrots, and leafy greens."
The usual plural form, used for vegetables collectively or for several individual vegetables.
"We bought plenty of fresh vegies at the market."
Spelled with an e and pronounced like “veggie,” vegie is the friendly, down-to-earth cousin of vegetable—and a tiny spelling choice that carries a distinctly informal flavour.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vegie
“VEGIE” is an informal spelling variant of “veggie,” which was formed by shortening “vegetable.” “Vegetable” comes from Latin vegetabilis, meaning “growing” or “edible,” and is related to vegetare, “to grow.” Related English forms include “vegetation,” “vegetative,” and “vegetal,” all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How vegie is actually used
Informal and conversational. It is especially familiar in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, where it may be used without any suggestion of error or regional distinctiveness.
Easily confused with vegie
“Veggies” and “vegies” refer to the same thing; “vegie” is an alternative informal spelling, with usage frequency varying by region.