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

Penne with Lentils and Feta Hearty and wholesome, this picnic pasta salad is loaded with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lentils, salty cheese, and parsley, all cloaked in a light and bright red wine vinaigrette. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Their poke bowls offer two choices of protein with a base of crab mix, cucumber, corn, carrot, edamame with other toppings and sauce of choice. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026

Additionally, cucumbers naturally contain minerals, which help support fluid balance even further, according to Lamees Lahham, RD. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 13 Sep. 2026

In addition to tomatoes and cucumbers, gardeners can expect abundant harvests of eggplants, beans, squash, and peppers throughout September, as fall crops move into the picture! — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2026

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