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.
Eat Your Fluids Add water-rich foods such as melon, cucumbers, and yogurt to meals and snacks. — Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2026 For firm produce like melons and cucumbers, scrub with a clean brush. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 10 July 2026 Because of her love of gardening, Sharp also plans to use fresh herbs and vegetables to craft and garnish cocktails, using ingredients such as basil in a cucumber gimlet rosemary in a peach bourbon spritz. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 Grated cucumber and tangy Greek yogurt beautifully cut through the richness of the meatballs. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing cucumber

Browse Nearby Words

Cucumariidae
cucumber
cucumber angular leaf spot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cucumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cucumber. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of cucumber for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cucumber

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