wasabi

noun

wa·​sa·​bi wä-ˈsä-bē How to pronounce wasabi (audio)
wə-ˈsä-;
ˈwä-sə-bē How to pronounce wasabi (audio)
1
: a condiment that is prepared from the ground thick pungent greenish rhizome of an Asian herb (Eutrema japonicum synonym Wasabia japonica) of the mustard family and is similar in flavor and use to horseradish
also : the rhizome
2
: the herb that yields wasabi

Examples of wasabi 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.
There were too many of the bulky, sweet styrofoam mochi waffle crisps and not enough seaweed/salty furikake, and the errant corn chips (faux-Fritos) and wasabi peas were in tragic shortage. Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Oct. 2025 Chin Up in Scottsdale has flavors like wasabi and lavender. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Ahi tuna wasabi poke prepared food recalled over listeria concerns Costco announced a recall of over 3,300 pounds of Kirkland Signature ahi tuna wasabi poke (item 17193) due to potential listeria contamination. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025 Other members of this healthy group include arugula, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, collard and mustard greens wasabi and watercress. Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wasabi

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wasabi was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wasabi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wasabi. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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!