gherkin

noun

gher·​kin ˈgər-kən How to pronounce gherkin (audio)
1
a
: a small prickly fruit used for pickling
also : a pickle made from this fruit
b
: the slender annual vine (Cucumis anguria) of the gourd family that bears gherkins
2
: the immature fruit of the cucumber especially when used for pickling

Examples of gherkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Layered into the sandwich is a crunchy salad of sugar snap peas, gherkins and Castelvetrano olives, which complement the richness of the crab with their spring zing. Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024 Toss in jalapeño peppers and a splash of hot pepper sauce to give it some heat, and small dill gherkins for a little extra tang. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2024 Slices of raw tuna, artfully staged with tomatoes, plums and split mouse melons, also known as Mexican gherkins, shimmer like rubies. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 27 Nov. 2023 Serve warm with wasabi mustard, and gherkins if desired. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 11 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for gherkin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gherkin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Dutch gurken, plural of gurk cucumber, ultimately from Middle Greek agouros

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of gherkin was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near gherkin

Cite this Entry

“Gherkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gherkin. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

gherkin

noun
gher·​kin ˈgər-kən How to pronounce gherkin (audio)
: a small young cucumber used to make pickles
also : a small prickly fruit of a vine related to the cucumber that is used for the same purpose

More from Merriam-Webster on gherkin

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