Gherkin: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in British English to refer to small pickled cucumbers.

• I love adding gherkins to my sandwiches for an extra crunch.
• The plate of appetizers included tiny gherkins.

Refers broadly to any vegetable or fruit that has been preserved in vinegar or brine, but often used for pickled cucumbers in American English.

• He put a pickle on his burger for extra flavor.
• Pickles are often served as a side dish with sandwiches.

Used to refer to the fresh vegetable, typically in salads or as a snack.

• She sliced a cucumber for the salad.
• Cucumbers are refreshing to eat on a hot day.

This word is commonly used in British English to refer to small cucumbers that are typically pickled in vinegar or brine.

• Would you like a gherkin in your sandwich?
• I love the tangy flavor of gherkins.

This term is universally used for the fresh, green vegetable that is often eaten raw in salads or sandwiches.

• I added some cucumber slices to my salad.
• Cucumber is very refreshing in summer.

This word generally refers to cucumbers that have been pickled, often used in American English. It can also refer to other vegetables that have been preserved in vinegar or brine. It may have a negative connotation when referring to a difficult situation ('in a pickle').

• Could you pass me the jar of pickles?
• We have dill pickles and sweet pickles in the fridge.
• I'm in a bit of a pickle with my homework.