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 menu at Michy’s has Chinese and sushi dishes, with slight twinges of Puerto Rican influence. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026

There was a little box of sushi from an Asian grocery store—Holzinger has no special diet—and a very large binder. — Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

The night before February’s traditional signing day, Duy Nguyen couldn’t immediately place the familiar-looking man walking into his six-month-old sushi restaurant, Homakase, just before closing. — Matt Baker, New York Times, 17 July 2026

The primary belt carries sushi plates through the entire dining area while a secondary express belt delivers items ordered on the touch panel menu directly to customers’ tables. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 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