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

Cording recommends throwing a slice of salmon, hunks of sweet potato or winter squash, and either broccoli or brussels sprouts (chef’s choice) on a pan and roasting till the fish is cooked through and those veggies are nice and brown. —Ashley Oerman, SELF, 19 Feb. 2026

The buffet features a Mediterranean tapas board, an appetizer display with crab cake sliders and main dishes such as Italian shrimp and grits and winter squash ravioli. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 5 Feb. 2026

Serve this dish alone or pair it with roasted turnips and winter squash. —The Know, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026

Choosing The Best Squash When selecting winter squash, make sure to select mature squash that feel heavy for their size. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for winter squash

• macintosh
• mackintosh
• mcintosh
• natchitoches
• backwash
• downwash
• mouthwash
• outwash
• panache
• whitewash
• bosh
• frosh

Kids Definition

winter squash

noun

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