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 Get The Recipe 23 of 35 Roasted Delicata Squash Enjoy the delicate sweetness of this winter squash, which is similar in flavor to butternut but has a tender, edible skin. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2023 How to peel, prep and cook all the winter squash this season Start by pulling, scraping or scooping out the seeds, which will probably come out with slimy, stringy flesh attached. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2023 To make the most of your winter squash, don't toss those seeds! Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2023 Edible gardens The last of your melons, pumpkins and winter squash are probably ready to harvest. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2023 Pumpkin and vining winter squash plants do the same. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2023 The ones that cause the disease on squash (both summer squash varieties such as zucchini and winter squash types like butternut) may also infect melons, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2023 Squash blossoms grow on both summer and winter squash and make tasty dishes all on their own. Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2023 As for winter squash, harvesting normally occurs in the fall after the fruits have a hardened rind and full color. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'winter squash.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near winter squash

Cite this Entry

“Winter squash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winter%20squash. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

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

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