radish

noun

rad·​ish ˈra-dish How to pronounce radish (audio)
 also  ˈre-
: the pungent usually crisp root of a widely cultivated Eurasian plant (Raphanus raphanistrum sativus) of the mustard family usually eaten raw
also : a plant that produces radishes

Examples of radish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But this is the time of year when thick-skinned, long radishes like daikon begin to come into season. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025 There are extra-healthy twists on standard breakfast fare, such as buckwheat or chickpea pancakes and mung bean porridge, as well as savory dishes like hummus toast with sunflower seed cheese, radish salad, and pomegranate. Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025 Each classic dish—ponytail-radish kimchi, mung-bean jelly, and pickled mustard greens—tastes fresh and novel. Air Mail, 27 Sep. 2025 An Oktoberfest board includes a sausage, two soft pretzels, cheese sauce, German mustard, sauerkraut and radi, or German radish that is typically consumed with beer. Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radish

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of Old English rædic, from Latin radic-, radix root, radish — more at root

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radish was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Radish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radish. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

radish

noun
rad·​ish ˈrad-ish How to pronounce radish (audio)
ˈred-
: the crisp edible root of a plant related to the mustards that is usually eaten raw as a vegetable
also : a plant that produces radishes
Etymology

Old English rædic "radish," from Latin radic-, radix "root" — related to eradicate, radical see Word History at radical

More from Merriam-Webster on radish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!