Swede

Swede is a term with two common meanings. In one sense, it refers to a person from Sweden, a Swede; in another sense, it refers to a root vegetable known in British English as swede and in North American English as rutabaga.

A Swede is a citizen or native of Sweden, a Nordic country in Northern Europe. Sweden's language is Swedish, and its population is around 10 million. The country has a constitutional monarchy and a highly developed economy.

The swede as a vegetable is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is a root vegetable that developed from a cross between cabbage and turnip and is cultivated for its large, edible taproot. The flesh is typically pale yellow; the skin is brownish to purple-tinged. It is commonly boiled, mashed, roasted, or added to soups and stews. It stores well in cool, dry conditions and is a staple in many temperate cuisines.

Usage notes: The terms differ by region: swede—the vegetable in British and Irish English; rutabaga—the vegetable in North American English. The word Swede for a person derives from Sweden.