daikon

noun

dai·​kon ˈdī-kən 

: a large long hard white radish used especially in Asian cuisine

also : a plant (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) whose root is a daikon

Examples of daikon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inspired by the classic French combo of radishes and butter, this Japanese riff opts for daikon, gently pan-fried until hoku-hoku, an onomatopoetic term for foods that are soft, warm, and slightly dry or fluffy. —Chihiro Tomioka, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2026

While napa cabbage kimchi is the most common version in American grocery stores, just about any crunchy vegetable—such as daikon radishes, shredded carrots, and cucumbers—can be fermented and used the same way. —Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Feb. 2026

Twilegar’s version includes spiny lobster, Napa cabbage, daikon, ginger and miso butter ponzu. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025

Just make sure to select containers that are at least 6 inches deep and opt for spring radishes, like ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast,’ which are easier to grow indoors than winter radishes and daikons. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from dai big + kon root

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above