chickpea

noun

chick·​pea ˈchik-ˌpē How to pronounce chickpea (audio)
: an Asian herb (Cicer arietinum) of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two seeds
also : its seed

Examples of chickpea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, honey water, 1 tablespoon of the oil, the Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt until smooth. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026 Small swaps—like choosing chickpea pasta—may support blood sugar and heart health. Jenna Anderson, Health, 25 Feb. 2026 And when paired with grains—think beans and rice, lentils with bread, or chickpeas with couscous—pulses become a satisfying base for everyday meals. Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 2026 Cook the chickpea pasta according to package directions. Ashia Aubourg, Outside, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chickpea

Word History

Etymology

alteration of chich pea, from Middle English chiche, from Anglo-French, from Latin cicer

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chickpea was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chickpea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chickpea. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

chickpea

noun
chick·​pea ˈchik-ˌpē How to pronounce chickpea (audio)
: an Asian herb of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two edible seeds
also : its seed

More from Merriam-Webster on chickpea

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