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

Can onions and squash, carrots and cucumbers bring an urban neighborhood together? —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026

Create Liquid Fertilizer Liquid fertilizer, or banana tea, like compost tea, is a very efficient way to feed water-loving plants like tomatoes and cucumbers. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026

The fresh cucumber, juicy citrus slices, and fragrant herbs make a bright, invigorating drink that's extra fun, thanks to a floater of sparkling wine. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026

This includes squash, cucumbers, sunflowers, beans, and peas, root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and beets. —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 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