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

The restaurant, which started in Japan, brought its popular revolving buffet of sushi to Kansas City less than three years ago, landing first at 200 W 47th St. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Ueki features a 10-seat sushi bar and two small booths, with sushi chef Hongki Lee — also known as chef Lee San — preparing a rotating menu of sushi and robata courses lasting roughly two hours. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

There are €100 entry fees, six-figure tables, and sushi wrapped in gold leaf. — Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

The one-room restaurant retains the clean, minimalist aesthetic that Anthony has cultivated at the upscale sushi counter but has more stone incorporated into the space than a traditional, wood-heavy omakase would. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 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