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

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

a sushi bar/restaurant

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

Masao is the culmination of owner Nick Hanke's 20 years of training under a master sushi chef, chef Phil Shires' desire to end his cooking career with a bang, and a whole lot of love. —Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 31 Mar. 2026

Kura Sushi, the popular Japanese chain that sends handmade sushi to its restaurant customers via conveyor belt, has brought its high-tech service model to Union City. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026

The 35,000-square-foot space will feature a fresh produce section, a sushi counter and a food court. —Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 30 Mar. 2026

Each of the customers will be sat around the sushi bar — there’s no table seating. —Jenna Thompson march 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 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