zuc·chi·ni (zo?o-k??n?)n. pl. zucchini or zuc·chi·nis A variety of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) having an elongated shape and a smooth, thin, dark green rind.[Italian, pl. of zucchino, diminutive of zucca, gourd, from Late Latin cucutia; possibly akin to Latin cucurbita, gourd.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.zucchini (tsu??ki?n?; zu?-) n, pl -ni or -nis1. (Plants) a small variety of vegetable marrow, cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Also called (esp in Britain): courgette 2. (Cookery) a small variety of vegetable marrow, cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Also called (esp in Britain): courgette [Italian, pl of zucchino, literally: a little gourd, from zucca gourd; see zucchetto]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014zuc?chi?ni (zu?ki ni) n., pl. -ni, -nis. 1. a cucumber-shaped summer squash having a smooth, dark green skin. 2. the plant bearing this fruit. Also called, esp. Brit., courgette. [1925?30, Amer.;