Arugula vs. Rocket — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 22, 2023
Arugula and rocket are two names for the same peppery leafy green, commonly used in salads; "arugula" is the American term, while "rocket" is the British term.

Difference Between Arugula and Rocket
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Key Differences
Arugula and rocket refer to the same leafy green, recognized for its peppery taste. This green has grown in popularity across various cuisines, making its presence known in salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. Depending on where you are in the world, you might hear one term over the other.

Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Both arugula and rocket have their roots in linguistic history. The term "arugula" is primarily used in the United States and stems from the Latin word "eruca," which refers to a type of edible herb. On the other hand, "rocket" is the term predominantly used in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. This name is derived from the French "roquette."

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Aug 22, 2023
The etymological differences between arugula and rocket highlight the way in which language evolves and adapts based on regions and cultures. Even though both terms have different linguistic origins, they refer to the same plant. This plant, scientifically named Eruca sativa, is a member of the Brassicaceae family, along with broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

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Aug 22, 2023
Despite the name differences of arugula and rocket, the taste, nutrition, and uses of this leafy green remain consistent across the board. Whether you sprinkle arugula on your pizza or toss rocket into your salad, you're adding a flavorful punch to your meal.

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Aug 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
Origin of Term
Derived from Latin "eruca"
Derived from French "roquette"

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Aug 22, 2023
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Geographic Usage
Primarily United States
UK and Commonwealth countries

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Aug 22, 2023
Pronunciation
Ah-ROO-guh-luh
ROCK-it

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Aug 22, 2023
Associated Cuisine
American salads, pizzas
British salads, sandwiches

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Aug 22, 2023
Family of Plant
Member of the Brassicaceae family
Same as Arugula

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Aug 22, 2023
Compare with Definitions
Arugula
A leafy green vegetable with a peppery flavor.
I added some arugula to my salad for an extra kick.

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Aug 22, 2023
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Rocket
A green with numerous health benefits due to its nutritional content.
Eating rocket can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

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Aug 22, 2023
Arugula
A popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
The pizza was topped with tomatoes, cheese, and fresh arugula.

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Aug 22, 2023
Rocket
A British term for the leafy green known as arugula in the US.
He was surprised to find out that rocket was called arugula in America.

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Aug 22, 2023
Arugula
A plant of the mustard family.
The garden had several plants from the mustard family, including broccoli, cauliflower, and arugula.

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Aug 22, 2023
Rocket
A cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the combustion of its contents, used typically as a firework or signal.

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
A rich source of certain vitamins and antioxidants.
Incorporating arugula into your diet can offer various health benefits.

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Aug 22, 2023
Rocket
A peppery salad ingredient.
The sandwich was layered with ham, cheese, and fresh rocket.

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Aug 22, 2023
Arugula
The American term for the plant known as "rocket" in British English.
When she moved to the US, she learned that rocket was called arugula.

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Aug 22, 2023
Rocket
(ambitransitive) To accelerate swiftly and powerfully.

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
The rocket plant, used in cooking.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A severe reprimand
He got a rocket from the Director

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
Eruca sativa, sometimes Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
Any vehicle propelled by a rocket engine

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
A Mediterranean plant (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) of the mustard family, having flowers with purple-veined, yellowish-white petals and pungent, edible leaves. Also called rocket2, roquette.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
Sends a firework display high into the sky

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
One of three yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herbs of the mustard family with flavoured leaves, often eaten in salads. Has a distinct, peppery flavor:

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A rocket (from Italian: rocchetto, lit. 'bobbin/spool') is a projectile that spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicles use to obtain thrust from a rocket engine. Rocket engine exhaust is formed entirely from propellant carried within the rocket.

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
Eruca vesicaria

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
An edible Mediterranean plant of the cabbage family, whose leaves are eaten in salads.

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
Diplotaxis tenuifolia

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
(of an amount, price, etc.) increase very rapidly and suddenly
Sales of milk in supermarkets are rocketing

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
An erect European annual (Eruca vesicaria sativa) of the mustard family, often grown as a salad crop to be harvested when young and tender.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
Attack with rocket-propelled missiles
The city was rocketed and bombed from the air

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Sep 27, 2019
Arugula
Erect European annual often grown as a salad crop to be harvested when young and tender

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A rocket engine.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A vehicle or device propelled by one or more rocket engines, especially such a vehicle designed to travel through space.

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Rocket
A projectile weapon carrying a warhead that is powered and propelled by rockets.

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Rocket
A projectile firework having a cylindrical shape and a fuse that is lit from the rear.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
See arugula.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
To move swiftly and powerfully, as a rocket

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Rocket
To fly swiftly straight up, as a game bird frightened from cover.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
To soar or rise rapidly
The book rocketed to the top of the bestseller list.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
To carry by means of a rocket.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
To assault with rockets.

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Rocket
A rocket engine.

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Rocket
(military) A non-guided missile propelled by a rocket engine.

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Rocket
A vehicle propelled by a rocket engine.

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Rocket
A blunt lance head used in jousting.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
(figurative) Something that shoots high in the air.

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Rocket
A very physically attractive woman.

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Rocket
The leaf vegetable Eruca sativa or Eruca vesicaria.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
(Consolida regalis).

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Rocket
To fly vertically.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
To rise or soar rapidly.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A cruciferous plant (Eruca sativa) sometimes eaten in Europe as a salad.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
An artificial firework consisting of a cylindrical case of paper or metal filled with a composition of combustible ingredients, as niter, charcoal, and sulphur, and fastened to a guiding stick. The rocket is projected through the air by the force arising from the expansion of the gases liberated by combustion of the composition. Rockets are used as projectiles for various purposes, for signals, and also for pyrotechnic display.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A blunt lance head used in the joust.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
Any flying device propelled by the reactive force of hot gases expelled in the direction opposite its motion. The fuel used to generate the expelled gases in rockets may be solid or liquid; rockets propelled by liquid fuels typically have a combustible fuel (such as hydrogen or kerosene) which is combined inside the rocket engine with an oxidizer, such as liquid oxygen. Single liquid fuels (called monopropellants) are also known. Since rocket engines do not depend on a surrounding fluid medium to generate their thrust, as do airplanes with propellers or jet engines, they may be used for propulsion in the vacuum of space.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
To rise straight up; said of birds; usually in the present participle or as an adjective.
An old cock pheasant came rocketing over me.

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Rocket
A jet engine containing its own propellant and driven by reaction propulsion

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
Erect European annual often grown as a salad crop to be harvested when young and tender

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
Propels bright light high in the sky, or used to propel a lifesaving line or harpoon

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Rocket
Shoot up abruptly, like a rocket;
Prices skyrocketed

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
Propel with a rocket

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A plant commonly used in European dishes.
Rocket is a staple in many Italian pasta dishes.

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Aug 22, 2023
Rocket
Any of several plants of the mustard family, especially the dame's rocket and the sea rocket.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A rocket propelled firework; a skyrocket.

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Rocket
(slang) An ace (the playing card).

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Rocket
An angry communication (such as a letter or telegram) to a subordinate.

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Rocket
A stupid or crazy person.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
To carry something in a rocket.

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Rocket
To attack something with rockets.

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Sep 27, 2019
Rocket
A member of the Brassicaceae family, related to mustard.
Like arugula, rocket belongs to the mustard family of plants.

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Aug 22, 2023
Common Curiosities
What is arugula used for?
Arugula is a peppery leafy green commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish for various dishes.

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Aug 22, 2023
Why do some people call arugula "rocket"?
"Rocket" is the British term for the leafy green that Americans refer to as "arugula."

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Aug 22, 2023
Are arugula and rocket the same plant?
Yes, arugula and rocket refer to the same plant, known for its distinct peppery taste.

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Aug 22, 2023
Which term, arugula or rocket, is used outside of the US and UK?
While "arugula" is primarily an American term and "rocket" is British, many other countries might use either term based on their historical ties and linguistic influences.

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Aug 22, 2023
What's the nutritional profile of arugula and rocket?
Both arugula and rocket are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them beneficial additions to a balanced diet.

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Aug 22, 2023
Do arugula and rocket taste the same?
Yes, since they are the same plant, their flavor profile is identical, characterized by a peppery note.

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Aug 22, 2023
Can you cook with both arugula and rocket?
Absolutely, both arugula and rocket can be used fresh in salads or as toppings, or cooked in dishes like pasta or sautéed as greens.

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Aug 22, 2023
Is there any difference in the growth or cultivation of arugula and rocket?
No, they are cultivated in the same manner since they are the same plant.

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Aug 22, 2023
Why are there two different names for the same plant?
The differences in naming, arugula vs. rocket, stem from linguistic and regional variations, showcasing how language can evolve differently based on cultural and geographic factors.

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Aug 22, 2023
How do you store arugula or rocket?
Both arugula and rocket can be stored in a refrigerator, preferably in a produce bag or container, to keep them fresh.

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Aug 22, 2023
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.