gherkin

noun

gher·​kin ˈgər-kən How to pronounce gherkin (audio)
1
a
: a small prickly fruit used for pickling
also : a pickle made from this fruit
b
: the slender annual vine (Cucumis anguria) of the gourd family that bears gherkins
2
: the immature fruit of the cucumber especially when used for pickling

Examples of gherkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Toss in jalapeño peppers and a splash of hot pepper sauce to give it some heat, and small dill gherkins for a little extra tang. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2024 Slices of raw tuna, artfully staged with tomatoes, plums and split mouse melons, also known as Mexican gherkins, shimmer like rubies. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 27 Nov. 2023 Serve warm with wasabi mustard, and gherkins if desired. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 11 Oct. 2023 Putting chili powder, salt, or celery salt on the rim of the glass and chasing with a gherkin can take these to the next level. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2023 In the video, Olivia shows off a dinner comprised of bread, butter, grapes, cheese, gherkins, and wine. Olivia Evans, Women's Health, 3 Aug. 2023 In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, gherkins, garlic, ketchup, and scallions. Sheryl Julian, BostonGlobe.com, 4 July 2023 Sugar snap peas, gherkins and Castelvetrano olives add plenty of crunch and spring vibrancy to the rich filling too. Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2023 On top of the crab, those olives mix with a green, pickle-y duo of sugar snap peas and gherkins to add crunch and more pops of spring brightness. Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Dutch gurken, plural of gurk cucumber, ultimately from Middle Greek agouros

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of gherkin was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near gherkin

Cite this Entry

“Gherkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gherkin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gherkin

noun
gher·​kin ˈgər-kən How to pronounce gherkin (audio)
: a small young cucumber used to make pickles
also : a small prickly fruit of a vine related to the cucumber that is used for the same purpose

More from Merriam-Webster on gherkin

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