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

What has made an even bigger splash in Amman, however, is the lounge’s Nikkei menu serving up some of the best-quality sushi in town. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Chef Brian Nasajon and Saladino Design Studios created an open sushi bar beneath a light canopy at the center of the room. —Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Harriet’s Hamburgers opened a Commonwealth location in March, while upscale sushi spots Uchi and Uchibā followed. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

This is one of the main questions posed in Jiro Dreams of Sushi, which follows Jiro Ono, a sushi restaurant owner in Tokyo. —Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 27 May 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