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

Whether winter squash or summer squash, the thick vines can spread rapidly. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 July 2026

Experts say the safest choices are produce with protective peels or rinds, such as bananas, oranges, avocados, onions, and winter squash. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 28 July 2026

Canned Pumpkin Canned pumpkin is an all-season alternative to the insides of a plump winter squash. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

To that end, her recipe for pumpkin pie marries British baking traditions with a winter squash indigenous to North America. — Ashley Rose Young, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 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