Cucumbers: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for the fresh, green, and crisp vegetable commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and cold dishes.

• I love adding cucumbers to my salad for that extra crunch.
• Cucumbers are a great snack on a hot summer day.

Typically used to refer to hard-shelled fruits of the cucurbit family, often used for decoration or containers; can sometimes refer to inedible varieties.

• We used a gourd for storing water during our camping trip.
• During the fall, she decorates her house with colorful gourds.

A type of summer squash that is usually cooked before eating; often used in sautés, baking, and grilling.

• Grilled zucchini makes a perfect side dish for summer barbecues.
• He made a delicious zucchini bread for breakfast.

Refers to cucumbers that have been preserved in a solution of vinegar, brine, or other flavorings; often eaten as a condiment or snack.

• I always add a pickle to my sandwich for that tangy flavor.
• She loves to make pickles at home from her garden cucumbers.

Refers to the vegetable, typically used in culinary contexts or when discussing gardening and food.

• I love adding fresh cucumbers to my salads.
• She grows cucumbers in her backyard garden.

Informal way to describe someone who stays calm and does not get excited or overwhelmed, often used in conversational settings.

• In stressful situations, it's important to be cool-headed.
• She is known for being cool-headed during crises.

Describes a person who is not easily upset or excited, typically used to praise someone's steadiness or resilience. Often has a positive connotation.

• Even during the emergency landing, the pilot was unflappable.
• Her unflappable demeanor is admired by her colleagues.

Describes a person who is calm and in control of their emotions, often used in formal or written contexts.

• Despite the chaos around her, she remained composed.
• He delivered his speech in a very composed manner.