sushi

noun

su·​shi ˈsü-shē 

also ˈsu̇-

: a category of Japanese dishes (such as nigiri and sushi rolls) that are typically made with vinegar-dressed rice topped or rolled with raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, or cooked egg and often other ingredients (such as nori, avocado, or cucumber)

going out for sushi

Shinjuku, which takes its name from a Tokyo rail station, uses robots and miniature bullet trains with a constantly rotating conveyor belt to deliver sushi to diners.

—Sue Gleiter

a sushi bar/restaurant

Note: While sashimi is sometimes considered a type of sushi, the two are more typically distinguished from one another.

… open New Year's Eve, serving sushi, sashimi and a blend of Japanese and Japanese-American dishes …

—Bradley Hohulin

see also sushi rice

Examples of sushi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On Saturday, April 25, Banderas, 65, and Griffith, 68, were spotted leaving Beverly Hills sushi restaurant Matsuhisa arm-in-arm after enjoying dinner together. —Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

Step out of the plane barefoot and walk down the long wooden jetty onto your very own island—all the while knowing that some of the best sushi in the world awaits. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Known for serving surf and turf staples like lobster and filet mignon as well as sushi, this upscale restaurant is inside a cozy historical home, and dishes are made from scratch daily. —India Amos, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026

An employee washed hands for less than 10 seconds at the sushi bar, and the inspector wants to see 10-15 seconds of your hands rubbing each other. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sushi

• sushi rice
• sushi roll

Kids Definition

sushi

noun

su·​shi ˈsü-shē 

ˈsu̇sh-ē

: cold rice formed into any of various shapes and topped or wrapped with pieces of often raw seafood or vegetables