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

Staying hydrated with cucumber water may support glowing skin, strong bones, and healthy blood pressure. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025

Another dish was rock crab served with marigolds with an infusion of cucumber and lime, but was served on an intricate plate made entirely of ice. —Wayne Chan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025

That's the chick who pretended on the 'Today' show, chopping cucumbers. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025

In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, onion, salt, and pepper. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 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