nigiri

noun

ni·​giri ni-ˈgir-ē How to pronounce nigiri (audio)
plural nigiri
: a Japanese dish consisting of sliced usually raw seafood on top of a shaped handful of vinegar-dressed rice

Examples of nigiri 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.
More than 100 menu items are offered, including 30 types of nigiri, 30 hand rolls (wrapped in seaweed or soy paper) and 22 sushi rolls. Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026 The sequence of nigiri is canonical. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Known for its efficiency and family-friendly appeal, Kura offers a mix of traditional nigiri and inventive sushi items, plus playful features like collectible prizes for hitting plate counts. Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 5 Mar. 2026 Chef Victor Gonzales, a veteran of Uchiko and Lucky Robot, will oversee a menu that includes nigiri, sashimi and rolls, alongside a selection of hot dishes. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026 Courses will include appetizers like crispy bang bang shrimp, two-handroll sets, two-piece nigiri sets and two glasses of prosecco. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2026 Instead of traditional nigiri, Chang incorporated flavors from his native Peru and created some truly outstanding dishes. Miami Herald, 22 Dec. 2025 Throughout the video, the pair dipped their nigiri and hand roll creations in sauce and happily eat them on camera. Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025 But the nigiri set the tone for the meal — smooth, fresh and simple. Evan Moore november 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Japanese, short for nigirizushi, from nigiri, noun correspondent of nigiru "to grasp, form with the hands" + -zushi sushi

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nigiri was in 1961

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nigiri.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nigiri. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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