First Known Use: 1661
Dictionary
gherkin
noun gher·kin \ˈgər-kən\
: a small cucumber that is used to make pickles
Full Definition of GHERKIN
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
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Origin of GHERKIN
Dutch gurken, plural of gurk cucumber, ultimately from Middle Greek agouros
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