Is a cucumber vegetable or fruit?

Here's why:

* Botanically: Fruits are the mature ovaries of flowering plants, containing seeds. Cucumbers fit this definition as they develop from the flower of the cucumber plant and contain seeds.

* Culinary: While often eaten as a vegetable, cucumbers are considered a fruit in the culinary world. They are typically served in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes that are considered savory.

So, while it's common to refer to cucumbers as vegetables due to their culinary use, it's important to remember that botanically, they are fruits.