nigiri

noun

ni·​giri ni-ˈgir-ē 

plural nigiri

: a Japanese dish consisting of sliced usually raw seafood on top of a shaped handful of vinegar-dressed rice

Examples of nigiri in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lineup will also include an 8-piece chef’s signature nigiri and a hon maguro tasting, including bluefin tuna sashimi akami, chu-toro and o-toro. — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 24 June 2026

The nigiri that followed was a stunning sculptural array of fish, shellfish, herbs, vegetables, and edible starflowers. — Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026

Plates of spicy edamame, beautifully cut sashimi and nigiri, panko-coated shrimp, and cooked-to-perfection sirloin and broccolini are all worth circling on the menu for future reference, as are the delicate strawberry and cheesecake mochi that round the sitting off. — Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026

The uber-buttery snow crab nigiri might just be perfection in a single bite. — Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Japanese, short for nigirizushi, from nigiri, noun correspondent of nigiru "to grasp, form with the hands" + -zushi sushi

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nigiri

• kashmiri
• beery
• bleary
• cheery
• cirri
• dearie
• deary
• dreary
• eerie
• kiri
• leary
• leery