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winter squash

noun

: any of various hard-shelled squashes (such as acorn squash, cushaw, or Hubbard squash) that can be stored for several months and belong to cultivars of several cucurbit species (especially Cucurbita maxima, C. moschata, and C. pepo)

Examples of winter squash 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.
Pumpkin Pumpkin is another winter squash with an impressive nutrient profile. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 26 Nov. 2025 Entrees include a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, plus lamb chops, short ribs, grilled swordfish and winter squash and kale ravioli with Gorgonzola cream. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2025 Pumpkin and winter squash are already very shelf-stable once they’ve been cured. Laura Simpson, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025 Vegetable and Herb Garden Before a hard frost, make sure to harvest any remaining pumpkins and winter squashes. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for winter squash

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of winter squash was in 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Winter squash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winter%20squash. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

winter squash

noun
: any of various hard-shelled squashes (as an acorn squash) that keep well in storage

More from Merriam-Webster on winter squash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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