Cucumber: meaning, definitions and examples

🥒

Add to dictionary

cucumber

[ˈkjuːkʌmbə(r) ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

vegetable

A long, green-skinned fruit with watery flesh, usually eaten raw in salads or pickled.

Synonyms

courgette, gourd, zucchini.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cucumber	Commonly used in salads and sandwiches for its refreshing taste. Can also be used for pickling. She added slices of cucumber to her salad. I love cucumber sandwiches for tea.
gourd	Refers to a family of plants that have hard shells and are often used as ornamental items, containers, or cooking vessels. Can also refer to inedible varieties. We made birdhouses out of dried gourds. The ancient tribes used gourds as containers.
zucchini	This is the American English term for courgette, mainly used in cooking, especially in American recipes. Grilled zucchini is a great side dish for barbecues. My favorite dish is baked zucchini with cheese.
courgette	This is the British English term for zucchini, typically used in cooking, especially in European recipes. Stir-fry the courgette with onions and garlic. Courgette soup is a delicious and healthy choice.

Examples of usage

The salad was topped with slices of cucumber.
She enjoyed a refreshing cucumber water during the hot summer day.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

A person who is not able to handle pressure or criticism well.

Synonyms

pushover, softie, weakling.

Examples of usage

Don't be such a cucumber, learn to take constructive feedback.
He's a real cucumber when it comes to dealing with stress.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cucumber' comes from the Latin 'cucumis', which means 'cucumber' or 'gourd', showing its long history.
In Middle English, it was spelled as 'cucumer', reflecting the transition from Latin to the modern English word we use today.
The name has roots in several languages, indicating the vegetable's widespread popularity across cultures.

Culinary Uses

Cucumbers can be pickled to create a tangy snack or condiment, a practice that has been around for centuries.
They are a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, often found in salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce.
Sliced cucumbers are not only refreshing; they can also be used as a natural remedy for sunburn and puffiness around the eyes.

Nutritional Facts

Low in calories and high in water content, cucumbers are great for hydration and weight management.
They contain vitamins such as K, C, and several B vitamins, making them a healthy addition to meals.
Cucumbers have antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Cultural Significance

In Japan, cucumbers are often served as a side dish, emphasizing their refreshing qualities in the hot summer months.
In some cultures, cucumbers are believed to bring good luck and are often included in rituals and celebrations.
Cucumbers hold a place in literature and art, often symbolizing fertility and abundance in various cultures.

Agriculture

Cucumbers are part of the gourd family, which also includes pumpkins and squash, and require warm weather to grow.
This vegetable can be grown on trellises, saving space in gardens while improving air circulation and light exposure.
Over 95% of a cucumber's weight is water, making it a great crop for hot climates where water conservation is important.

Translations

Translations of the word "cucumber" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pepino

🇮🇳 खीरा

🇩🇪 Gurke

🇮🇩 mentimun

🇺🇦 огірок

🇵🇱 ogórek

🇯🇵 きゅうり

🇫🇷 concombre

🇪🇸 pepino

🇹🇷 salatalık

🇰🇷 오이

🇸🇦 خيار

🇨🇿 okurka

🇸🇰 uhorka

🇨🇳 黄瓜

🇸🇮 kumara

🇮🇸 gúrka

🇰🇿 қияр

🇬🇪 კიტრი

🇦🇿 xiyar

🇲🇽 pepino

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,315, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16312 inequitable
16313 mismanagement
16314 interferon
16315 cucumber
16316 sequestration
16317 simile
16318 uproar
...