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

Highlights include hummus with cucumbers, roasted half chicken with herb jus, ricotta agnolotti, dark chocolate mousse and apple cake. —Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

Then Gilmore flamed out, lost everything, and became a dedicated boozer, making flasks out of everything from cucumbers to cuckoo clocks. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2025

This longer-lasting formula is made with aluminum, botanical scents like cucumber and pear, and ceramides—the trifecta for hardworking armpits. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 23 July 2025

Eat hydrating, cold foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and salads. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025

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