watercress UK /ˈwɔːtəkɹɛs/US /ˈwɔtəɹkɹɛs/ noun2 •A perennial European herb, Nasturtium officinale, that grows in freshwater streams; used in salads and as a garnish.A spring wells up in the centre of the village, and watercress beds lie beside the stream running alongside the main street. — 1980 •A similar plant, Nasturtium microphyllum. formswatercresses