daikon

noun

dai·​kon ˈdī-kən How to pronounce daikon (audio)
: a large long hard white radish used especially in Asian cuisine
also : a plant (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) whose root is a daikon

Examples of daikon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The veggies on top featured a fresh cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon and cilantro. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Mar. 2026 The sandwich is then layered with pork, pickled daikon and carrot, plus cilantro, cucumber and fresh peppers. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026 How about the nikkei ceviche with tuna, tamarind leche de tigre and cucumber, scallions, avocado, daikon, sesame seeds? — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 18 June 2026 Comfrey plants, an alternative to daikons, can improve gardens with tough, compact soil by breaking up and aerating clay-heavy earth with their sturdy root systems. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for daikon

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from dai big + kon root

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daikon was in 1872

Rhymes for daikon

See All Rhymes for daikon

Browse Nearby Words

daiker
daikon
dail
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daikon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daikon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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