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Definition of winter squash
winter squash
Plural:winter squashes
winter squash Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
4
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
• 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."
• Nearby Words
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