sushi

noun

su·​shi ˈsü-shē 

also ˈsu̇-

: a category of Japanese dishes (such as nigiri and sushi rolls) that are typically made with vinegar-dressed rice topped or rolled with raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, or cooked egg and often other ingredients (such as nori, avocado, or cucumber)

going out for sushi

a sushi bar/restaurant

Shinjuku, which takes its name from a Tokyo rail station, uses robots and miniature bullet trains with a constantly rotating conveyor belt to deliver sushi to diners.

—Sue Gleiter

Note: While sashimi is sometimes considered a type of sushi, the two are more typically distinguished from one another.

… open New Year's Eve, serving sushi, sashimi and a blend of Japanese and Japanese-American dishes …

—Bradley Hohulin

see also sushi rice

Examples of sushi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

America’s food safety system aims to balance public health with people’s freedom to eat foods that can harm them, like raw oysters and sushi. —CNN Money, 14 June 2026

Inari Bombs At Halls Catch in Nashville, Executive Chef Morgan Lewis serves Inari Bombs as a part of his sushi program. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

In my opinion, Los Angeles has the best sushi in the world. —Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

Based on the New York Times bestselling DC/Vertigo graphic novels from Bourdain and Joel Rose, with artwork by Langdon Foss and Alé Garza, the story follows a solitary sushi chef, Jiro. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sushi

• sushi rice
• sushi roll

Kids Definition

sushi

noun

su·​shi ˈsü-shē 

ˈsu̇sh-ē

: cold rice formed into any of various shapes and topped or wrapped with pieces of often raw seafood or vegetables