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

a sushi bar/restaurant

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

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

Saturday Night Live’s Marcello Hernandez gamely hosted the evening, with attendees walking across the Center to David Geffen Hall for an afterparty that included Katz’s Deli carving stations and elaborate sushi setups. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Sushi Yoshitake, New York City Japanese chef Masahiro Yoshitake bringing his legendary sushi skills to New York City this fall, partnering with restaurateur Simon Kim. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2026

Sprouts focuses on fresh, natural and organic foods and also offers fresh, ready-to-eat lunch options such as sushi, deli sandwiches and wellness bowls. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

All-day diner Fenix trades typical coffee shop fare for an interactive robatayaki grill, sushi bar, and tandoor oven. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 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