cucurbit

noun

cu·​cur·​bit kyü-ˈkər-bət How to pronounce cucurbit (audio)
1
: a vessel or flask for distillation used with or forming part of an alembic
2
: a plant of the gourd family

Examples of cucurbit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These voracious predators happily tackle a wide range of cucurbit pests, including aphids and squash vine borers—all without pesticides. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025 Tomatoes, eggplants, and cucurbits such as squash and melons, have deeper root systems and are best grown in beds that are at least 18 inches deep. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cucurbite, from Anglo-French, from Latin cucurbita gourd

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cucurbit was in the 14th century

Rhymes for cucurbit

See All Rhymes for cucurbit

Browse Nearby Words

cucurb
cucurbit
Cucurbita
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cucurbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cucurbit. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All