Courgette vs. Zucchini
“Courgette” and “zucchini” are regional vocabulary equivalents for the same vegetable. Cambridge marks “courgette” as UK and gives US “zucchini” as the counterpart.
“Courgette” is the British term and “zucchini” is the US term for the same vegetable. Choose according to audience and regional convention rather than treating one as more correct.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| UK-oriented wording | courgette | Use the British term. |
| US-oriented wording | zucchini | Use the US term. |
| international or mixed audience | match the audience or define once | Neither form is universally more correct. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Are you choosing the vegetable name for a UK or US audience?
If yes: Use “courgette” for UK-oriented wording and “zucchini” for US-oriented wording.
If no: For a mixed audience, choose the expected regional form or define the alternative once if useful.
Caveat: Treat the pair as regional vocabulary, not a correctness difference.
Examples
Add one chopped courgette to the pan.
“Courgette” is the British term.
Add one chopped zucchini to the pan.
“Zucchini” is the US term.
The US recipe says “zucchini,” while the UK edition says “courgette.”
The difference follows regional vocabulary.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the British term.
Fast Test
Use “courgette” for UK-oriented wording and “zucchini” for US-oriented wording. For a mixed audience, choose the expected regional form or define the alternative once if useful.
Usage Boundary
Treat the pair as regional vocabulary, not a correctness difference.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- courgette — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Courgette is marked UK, with US zucchini.
- zucchini — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Zucchini is marked US, with UK courgette.