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

Most everyone can recognize a standard American cucumber, or even mini cucumbers, typically sold in a bag. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026

Try adding lupini beans to a salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a whole grain such as farro. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026

There are light, bubbly options such as the Disaronno Spritz and cucumber-and-herb McQueen Cucumber Refresher, as well as classics like the Tom Collins and whiskey-forward Sagamore Sour. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

More than 700 pounds of methamphetamine hidden among boxes of cucumbers has landed two men in federal prison for 15 years each. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 27 Aug. 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