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

For an extra Southern twist, green tomatoes can sub in beautifully for cucumbers, adding a uniquely vibrant note that celebrates the best seasonal produce of the south. —Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025

During a break on my hike, munching on crisp cucumbers and dipping cold carrots into cool hummus made for the ideal recharge. —Ashia Aubourg, Outside, 16 Aug. 2025

The garden salad was refreshing, with iceberg lettuce, cucumber and cherry tomatoes dressed with homemade ranch dressing with the taste of fresh dill. —Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025

Its bergamot and cassis notes are tempered by florals like rose and cool veggie hits like cucumber. —Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 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