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

Two sushi chefs will take care of six guests each, and the food will be more detailed, featuring, for example, two types of rice instead of just one. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026

Diners will also find familiar favorites, too, like sticky Korean ribs, seafood towers, spicy Calabrian pasta and a variety of steaks and other sushi. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Based on the graphic novel by Anthony Bourdain, Get Jiro is a new Adult Swim series that follows the tribulations of a sushi chef in near-future Los Angeles. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026

If anything, Café Sushi Shoten has only helped to further integrate excellent sushi into the surrounding community. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 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