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

For instance, plastic wrapping extends a cucumber’s shelf life from a few days to several weeks, significantly reducing food waste. —Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

Some plants, such as members of the cucumber family (which includes melons, zucchini, and squash) and root veggies are sensitive to root disturbance. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2025

Think: poke wonton nachos, crispy spring rolls, and chili peanut cucumber salad, plus poke bowls, sushi and bento boxes. —Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025

Savory bites are equally standout—mini salmon don, inari with cucumber and tomato, and egg salad milk bun sandwiches are all on the menu. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025

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