The word squash has several meanings:

1. To crush or flatten something by pressing down on it. If you sit on your lunch bag, you might squash your sandwich. The word captures that complete flattening: a squashed can looks like it was run over by a car.
2. A family of vegetables with thick rinds, including pumpkins, zucchini, butternut squash, and acorn squash. These plants all belong to the same botanical family and were first grown by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Some squash varieties, like zucchini, are harvested young and tender (called summer squash). Others, like pumpkins and butternut squash, develop hard shells and can be stored for months (called winter squash).
3. A fast-paced sport played in an enclosed court where two players hit a small rubber ball against the walls using racquets. The ball moves so quickly that squash requires intense concentration and quick reflexes.