cucumber

noun

cu·​cum·​ber ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər 

: the fruit of a vine (Cucumis sativus) of the gourd family cultivated as a garden vegetable

also : this vine

Illustration of cucumber

Examples of cucumber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Official statistics show cucumber prices have doubled since December, while some shops are reported to be selling them at an even greater mark-up – wartime prices for a salad staple, as the Russian economy slows. —Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026

While basil’s strong fragrance can deter garden pests like aphids and spider mites that can be harmful to cucumbers, that scent can affect the flavor of your cucumbers too, giving them a bitter or floral taste. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

Veggies and Hummus Crisp, colorful vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber paired with hummus are a refreshing and blood sugar-friendly choice. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 20 Feb. 2026

Pulp also offers several bowls including The Dragonfruit Bowl (dragonfruit, raspberries, mangos, almond milk, strawberry juice), wraps like the Asian Chicken Wrap (tender chicken breast, cucumber, shredded carrots, romaine lettuce, and sesame ginger dressing) and salads. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French cucumbre, from Latin cucumer-, cucumis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cucumber

• cucumber mosaic
• cucumber tree
• sea cucumber
• spotted cucumber beetle
• squirting cucumber

Kids Definition

cucumber

noun

cu·​cum·​ber ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər 

: the long fleshy usually many-seeded green-skinned fruit of a vine of the gourd family that is grown as a garden vegetable

also : this vine

Medical Definition

cucumber

noun

cu·​cum·​ber ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər 

: the fruit of a vine (Cucumis sativus) of the gourd family that is cultivated as a garden vegetable and that has diuretic seeds

also : this vine