cucumber

noun

cu·​cum·​ber ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər 

: the fruit of a vine (Cucumis sativus) of the gourd family cultivated as a garden vegetable

also : this vine

Illustration of cucumber

Examples of cucumber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Through a blend of aloe vera, cucumber extract, and soy proteins, this wash aims to remove dirt and makeup, while soothing redness, hydrating skin, and boosting elasticity. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Since the property changed hands, its sole restaurant, 18 Restaurant & Bar, has become more markedly gourmet with fare like scallops dusted with seaweed crumbs, smoked trout under cucumber and vermouth relish, and venison enlivened by juniper jus and pickled berries. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024

The recall notice said cucumbers were sold in 18 states, including Wisconsin. —Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024

Crazy Fresh and more, cucumbers and salads with kit. —Jason Lalljee, Axios, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cucumber

• cucumber mosaic
• cucumber tree
• sea cucumber
• spotted cucumber beetle
• squirting cucumber

Kids Definition

cucumber

noun

cu·​cum·​ber ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər 

: 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 

: 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