squash the American name which embraces numerous members of the genus Cucurbita in the cucurbit family (Cucurbitacae). The name is derived from the Massachusett Indian word askutasquash, meaning ‘eaten raw’. Cymling is also an American Indian word for a white, scalloped squash.

Because of their differing characteristics and uses, the squashes are best dealt with in several entries rather than one. These entries, which correspond more to popular names than to botanical classifications, are: summer squash, winter squash, vegetable marrow, and zucchini (the last two of which are the same vegetable at different stages of growth). See also vegetable spaghetti.