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noun

zucchini

zoo-KEE-nee

Zucchini (noun) means a long green summer squash with edible flesh and skin, known as a courgette in British English. Example: “She sliced the zucchini and grilled it with olive oil.”

noun
1
A long green summer squash with edible flesh and skin, known as a courgette in British English.
"She sliced the zucchini and grilled it with olive oil."
"The garden produced more zucchini than we could eat."

How to use zucchini

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA green squash, usually cooked like a vegetable, that shows up in stir-fries, pasta, and baked goods.

UK vs US

American English says zucchini; British English says courgette — same vegetable, different name.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
grated zucchini zucchini bread slice of zucchini

Word forms

zucchinis plural, zucchini plural

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She sliced the _____ and grilled it with olive oil.

Etymology

From Italian zucchini, the plural of zucchino, a "little squash" — from zucca, meaning "pumpkin" or "gourd."

Origin: Italian

courgette zuke

Related words

Rhymes for zucchini

See all rhymes for zucchini →

Frequently asked questions

What does “zucchini” mean?

The word “zucchini” means a long green summer squash with edible flesh and skin, known as a courgette in British English. In plain terms, a green squash, usually cooked like a vegetable, that shows up in stir-fries, pasta, and baked goods.

How do you pronounce “zucchini”?

“Zucchini” is pronounced zoo-KEE-nee (/zuːˈkiː.ni/ in IPA).

How do you use “zucchini” in a sentence?

Here is “zucchini” used in a sentence: “She sliced the zucchini and grilled it with olive oil.”

What is another word for “zucchini”?

Words with a similar meaning to “zucchini” include courgette and zuke.

What part of speech is “zucchini”?

“Zucchini” is a noun.

Where does the word “zucchini” come from?

The word “zucchini” comes from Italian. From Italian zucchini, the plural of zucchino, a "little squash" — from zucca, meaning "pumpkin" or "gourd.".

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