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

The menu is still being worked on, but people can expect to see sushi, ramen and other Japanese dishes, including hibachi — although it will be brought from the kitchen, not cooked in front of you, according to Ananthapadmanabhan. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

The sandwich remains to the British Isles what sushi is to the Japanese. —Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026

The sushi restaurant opened in March 2024 and was known for its premium sushi hand rolls, according to its Yelp page. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026

The options include things like noodles, sushi, crab Legs, baked oyster, shrimp, scallops — there’s even a bacon wrapped chicken. —Richard Guzman, Daily News, 18 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