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

When selecting plants like beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes, look for determinate or bush-type plants—these varieties stay small and are well-adapted to containers. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026

The peak time to buy warm-season veggie transplants, like tomatoes and cucumbers, ranges from April to June, depending on your area's last spring frost date. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026

To serve, spread the sour cream mixture over a serving plate and top with the cucumber, celery and dill. —Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

The simple spread is made with a combination of cucumber, green onion, cream cheese, dill, and mayonnaise for a crunchy, fresh, and light bite spread between slices of white bread—with the crusts cut off of course. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 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