sushi

noun

su·​shi ˈsü-shē 

also ˈsu̇-

: a category of Japanese dishes (such as nigiri and sushi rolls) that are typically made with vinegar-dressed rice topped or rolled with raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, or cooked egg and often other ingredients (such as nori, avocado, or cucumber)

going out for sushi

Shinjuku, which takes its name from a Tokyo rail station, uses robots and miniature bullet trains with a constantly rotating conveyor belt to deliver sushi to diners.

—Sue Gleiter

a sushi bar/restaurant

Note: While sashimi is sometimes considered a type of sushi, the two are more typically distinguished from one another.

… open New Year's Eve, serving sushi, sashimi and a blend of Japanese and Japanese-American dishes …

—Bradley Hohulin

see also sushi rice

Examples of sushi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The salmon version came wrapped in dark seaweed with a satisfying crunch that contrasted the soft, slightly tangy sushi rice, while the buttery salmon inside delivered a clean, subtly sweet finish in every bite. —Evan Moore april 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026

Hapi Sushi Hapi Sushi is a casual sushi bar perfect for a post-beach lunch or an easy dinner. —Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026

Making sushi like Jiro Ono means committing to an almost fanatical pursuit of greatness—a threshold set by Ono, judged by Ono, and executed by Ono, day in, day out. —Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2026

In between there’s the elevated-casual Mistral for al fresco Mediterranean favorites like rack of lamb and seared scallops; the Evrima Room for white-table-cloth dining with wine pairings; and Talaat Nam for Thai-fusion and sushi options. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sushi

• sushi rice
• sushi roll

Kids Definition

sushi

noun

su·​shi ˈsü-shē 

ˈsu̇sh-ē

: cold rice formed into any of various shapes and topped or wrapped with pieces of often raw seafood or vegetables