squash

A squash is a type of vegetable, often eaten as a side dish. It's also the name for a fun game played with rackets and a ball.

The word "squash" can be a bit confusing because it has different meanings depending on how you use it. Usually, when people talk about a squash, they're referring to the vegetable - like butternut or acorn squash. It's commonly used in cooking, especially during fall and winter holidays when many families serve roasted vegetables as part of their meals. Some popular ways to cook squash include stuffing it with herbs and cheese, pureeing it into soup, or roasting it in the oven.

The other meaning of "squash" is a sport played on a court with rackets and a ball. Players hit the ball back and forth until one team fails to return it to the opponent's side. Squash is often compared to tennis because it has similar rules and techniques, but the smaller court and unique racket make it distinct from its racquet sports cousin.