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Definition of nigiri

nigiri

/nɪˈɡiːri/
ni · gi · ri
Plural:nigiri
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nigiri Lexical Profile

nigiri Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A specific type of Japanese sushi consisting of a small, oval-shaped mound of vinegared rice typically topped with a slice of raw fish or other seafood.

Example

"For her main course, she ordered a platter featuring salmon, tuna, and yellowtail nigiri."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nigiri

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'sashimi', which consists solely of sliced raw fish served without the hand-pressed rice base characteristic of nigiri.

• Rhymes for nigiri

• Nearby Words

nightlight
nightscape
nightshade
nigiri
nila
nile
nile crocodile

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese 'nigiri' (握り), literally meaning 'grip' or 'grasp', derived from the verb 'nigiru' (to squeeze, to press), referring to the chef's method of molding the rice by hand.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nigiri. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nigiri
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