'arugula' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'rucola', where 'rucola' meant 'rocket' (the plant).

'arugula' changed from the Latin word 'eruca' to the Italian word 'rucola' and eventually became the modern English word 'arugula'.

Initially, it meant 'a type of cabbage/cole' in classical usage, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a peppery salad green (Eruca sativa)'.