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DictionarygherkinSmall cucumber
noun

gherkin

GUR-kin/ˈɡɜːrkɪn/

A small cucumber, often pickled whole.

A small pickled gherkin rests beside the open jar on the saucer.

A small open glass jar of pickled gherkins beside two whole, short, bumpy cucumbers on a plain saucer; one lengthwise-cut half reveals the pale seeded interior.
Etymology
gherkinEast Frisiancucumber

East Frisian augurk meant simply “cucumber.” The English word has a narrower use: a small cucumber, especially one selected for pickling, rather than cucumbers in general.

In context

Kerschner FarmStead0:23
our fourth and final pickle is going to be a gerpin okay a sweet gherkin
FINAL! Water Bath Canning Pickles Part 4: Sweet Gherkin Pickles

More examples

  • We pick the gherkins while they are still small.
  • He packs whole gherkins into jars with vinegar and dill.
  • Chopped gherkins give the potato salad a tangy crunch.

Forms

gherkin · gherkins

Similar words

cucumber
Cucumber is broader and does not imply small size or pickling.
pickle
Pickle usually means a preserved cucumber, not necessarily a small one.