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

Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice and top with soda water, and garnish with a mint crown stuck through the middle of a cucumber coin. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 20 June 2026

The adorable cucumber finger sandwiches make a light and refreshing addition to your summer table. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

Gazpacho Verde earns its name, with a delicious mix of green ingredients like spinach, avocados, celery, a cucumber, green salsa, and lime juice. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 19 June 2026

Try adding lemon, cucumber, or mint to your water to encourage hydration if plain water in the morning feels boring or unappetizing. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 June 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