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

Our thriving food capital draws diners out with sunlit farmers markets, midnight taco stands, multigenerational kebab shops and serene sushi dens. — Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

The outdoor Pergola Bar & Cafe with alfresco seating for 50 will make its debut July 1, as will the ground-level cocktail bar in the sushi area. — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 23 June 2026

Head to Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, Fort Lauderdale’s first food hall that opened in 2020, to get a good sampling of some cuisine from around the globe, from sushi to sandwiches, bibimbap to empanadas, in addition to live music events. — Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

The mountain-facing cafe now specializes in sushi and seafood. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 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