A1 noun Neutral #1,848 most common

cucumber

/ˈkjuːkʌmbər/

A cucumber is a long vegetable with green skin and watery white flesh that is often eaten raw in salads. It belongs to the same plant family as melons and pumpkins and is known for its refreshing and cooling taste.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually add sliced cucumber to my sandwiches for a crunchy texture.

I usually add sliced cucumber to my sandwiches for a crunchy texture.

2

The recipe requires finely diced cucumber to be incorporated into the chilled soup.

The recipe requires finely diced cucumber to be incorporated into the chilled soup.

3

Do you want some cucumber sticks with your dip?

Do you want some cucumber sticks with your dip?

Word Family

Noun
cucumber
Related
gherkin
💡

Memory Tip

Remember 'Cucumbers are Cool' to help you remember the idiom 'cool as a cucumber' and its refreshing taste.

Quick Quiz

A _____ is a long, green vegetable that is perfect for a summer salad.

Correct!

The correct answer is: cucumber

Examples

1

I usually add sliced cucumber to my sandwiches for a crunchy texture.

everyday

I usually add sliced cucumber to my sandwiches for a crunchy texture.

2

The recipe requires finely diced cucumber to be incorporated into the chilled soup.

formal

The recipe requires finely diced cucumber to be incorporated into the chilled soup.

3

Do you want some cucumber sticks with your dip?

informal

Do you want some cucumber sticks with your dip?

4

Botanically, the cucumber is classified as a fruit because it contains seeds and develops from a flower.

academic

Botanically, the cucumber is classified as a fruit because it contains seeds and develops from a flower.

5

Our international supply chain ensures that cucumbers are available throughout the winter season.

business

Our international supply chain ensures that cucumbers are available throughout the winter season.

Word Family

Noun
cucumber
Related
gherkin

Common Collocations

sliced cucumber sliced cucumber
pickled cucumber pickled cucumber
fresh cucumber fresh cucumber
cucumber salad cucumber salad
sea cucumber sea cucumber

Common Phrases

cool as a cucumber

very calm and relaxed

cucumber water

water flavored with cucumber slices

sea cucumber

a marine animal shaped like a cucumber

Often Confused With

cucumber vs zucchini

Zucchini is a squash that is usually cooked, whereas cucumber is typically eaten raw and has a higher water content.

cucumber vs pickle

A pickle is a cucumber that has been preserved in vinegar or brine.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'cucumber' is a countable noun. Use it in the singular for one whole vegetable and the plural for more than one.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes misspell it as 'cucomber'. Also, some learners confuse it with 'courgette' (the UK term for zucchini).

💡

Memory Tip

Remember 'Cucumbers are Cool' to help you remember the idiom 'cool as a cucumber' and its refreshing taste.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English 'cucomber', which comes from the Old French 'cocombre'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: cucumbers Can be used as a modifier: cucumber slices
🌍

Cultural Context

Cucumbers are widely used in beauty treatments, specifically placed over the eyes to reduce puffiness and hydrate the skin.

Quick Quiz

A _____ is a long, green vegetable that is perfect for a summer salad.

Correct!

The correct answer is: cucumber

More Food words

meal

A1

A meal is an occasion when food is eaten, or the specific food that is prepared and eaten at a certain time of day. It usually refers to the main eating events such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

juice

A1

Juice is the liquid that comes from fruits and vegetables when they are squeezed or crushed. It is a common beverage enjoyed cold and is often consumed during breakfast.

coffee

A1

Coffee is a popular dark-colored drink made from roasted and ground seeds called beans. It is usually served hot or cold and contains caffeine, which helps people feel more awake and energetic.

cheese

A1

A solid food made from the pressed curds of milk, often flavored and aged. It is a common dairy product used in sandwiches, pizzas, and many cooked dishes around the world.

beef

A1

Beef is the culinary name for meat from cattle, particularly cows. It is a popular source of protein consumed in many different forms, such as steaks, roasts, or ground meat.

orange

A1

A round citrus fruit with a bright reddish-yellow skin and juicy segments inside. It is well-known for being a rich source of Vitamin C and is commonly eaten fresh or squeezed into juice.

watermelon

A1

A watermelon is a very large, round or oval fruit with a hard green skin and a sweet, watery red or pink interior. It is commonly eaten cold during the summer months and is known for its high water content and black seeds.

lemon

A1

A lemon is a yellow citrus fruit that has a very sour taste. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and drinks to add a fresh or acidic flavor.

peach

A1

A peach is a round, sweet fruit with soft, fuzzy skin and a large hard seed in the middle. It is usually orange or yellow and is commonly eaten fresh or used in desserts during the summer.

pineapple

A1

A large, tropical fruit with a tough, scaly skin and a tuft of green leaves on top. It has sweet, juicy yellow flesh inside and is eaten fresh, canned, or as juice.

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