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

If anything, Café Sushi Shoten has only helped to further integrate excellent sushi into the surrounding community. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

To satiate appetites, silver platters of sliders, sushi, and mini pigs in a blanket made their way around the room, as did little bathtubs filled with French fries—perhaps another clue for the upcoming series? — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2026

The restaurant occupies a space that had been the home of a few sushi restaurants. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Expect fruit‑forward teas, creamy lattes and matcha drinks that pair naturally with the clean flavors of sushi and rice bowls. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 18 Sep. 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