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.
Ask an American what a wellness vacation involves, and the answer leans toward cucumber water and a mud wrap. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Ethylene-sensitive produce includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, cucumbers, carrots, and asparagus. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Avoid vining or large bushy crops like squash, cucumbers and melons. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 Under a collection of string lights, the riverine reveller sampled the Oysters Champagne, topped with shishito mignonette, cucumber, and shiso. — Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cucumber

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