cucumber

noun

cu·​cum·​ber ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər How to pronounce cucumber (audio)
: the fruit of a vine (Cucumis sativus) of the gourd family cultivated as a garden vegetable
also : this vine

Illustration of cucumber

Illustration of cucumber

Examples of cucumber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Also terrific: the marinated cucumbers ($2.99), crunchy and tangy, and the springy Chengdu Zajiang noodles ($13.99), brightened with bok choy. Asher Price, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025 Other options: Examples are zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, cucumbers, and mushrooms. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2025 Also stuffed in the tortilla: feta crumbles, tangy cucumber dressing, spring mix and tomatoes. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 Marketside cut cucumber slices: Recalled for potential foodborne illness — salmonella. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cucumber 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French cucumbre, from Latin cucumer-, cucumis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cucumber was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cucumber

Cite this Entry

“Cucumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cucumber. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

cucumber

noun
cu·​cum·​ber ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər How to pronounce cucumber (audio)
: the long fleshy usually many-seeded green-skinned fruit of a vine of the gourd family that is grown as a garden vegetable
also : this vine

Medical Definition

cucumber

noun
cu·​cum·​ber ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər How to pronounce cucumber (audio)
: the fruit of a vine (Cucumis sativus) of the gourd family that is cultivated as a garden vegetable and that has diuretic seeds
also : this vine

More from Merriam-Webster on cucumber

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!