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

Things to do ☀️ New York-style bagels, a fresh manicure and a massage in the back of a sushi restaurant are on the agenda for ‘Scrubs’ actor Judy Reyes on her perfect Sunday. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Observed employees drinking coffee by the sushi area who changed their gloves but didn’t wash their hands before preparing sushi for customers’ orders. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Sake Sushi’s menu serves classic Japanese sashimi and Americanized sushi, including spicy salmon rolls, crunch roll and an assortment of baked, fried and cooked rolls. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Kroger partnered with the San Francisco company in 2022 but initially allowed the company to deliver only flowers, sushi and prepared meals from a limited number of stores. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 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