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Definition of winter squash

winter squash

Plural:winter squashes
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winter squash Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of various squashes (such as butternut, acorn, or pumpkin) harvested in late summer or autumn, characterized by a thick, hard rind and dense, mature flesh that allows it to be stored for long periods over the winter.

Example

"She roasted halves of winter squash with maple syrup and cinnamon for a hearty autumn side dish."

Word Origin & Etymology

The term combines 'winter', indicating its ability to be stored through the cold months, and 'squash', shortened from the Narragansett word 'askutasquash', meaning 'eaten raw or uncooked'.

Cite this Entry


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