peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē 

plural peonies

1

: any of a genus (Paeonia of the family Paeoniaceae) of chiefly Eurasian plants with large often double flowers

2

: the flower of a peony

Examples of peony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Single bamboo stakes, for example, are perfect for hollyhocks and delphiniums, but inappropriate for bushy peonies with heavy flowers, which do best in a metal grow-through grid, tomato cage, or twine woven around several strategically placed bamboo stakes to corral the peony stems. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025

Northern types like lilacs, peonies, clematis, and rhubarb hit maximum growth potential at cooler temperatures (peaking out in the 80s). —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025

More Oscar de la Renta for the inauguration On Monday morning, Vance wore a custom peony cashmere coat from Oscar de la Renta, the fashion house posted to X, along with a scarf wrap and a tea-length dress. —David Wysong, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

The heart reveals peony in an unexpected and intense combination with sandalwood and rum absolute, while the base develops into this gorgeous deep song of vanilla with notes of labdanum, operanide and ambroxan. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English piony, from Anglo-French peonie, pioiné, from Latin paeonia, from Greek paiōnia, from Paiōn Paeon, physician of the gods

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing peony

• tree peony

Kids Definition

peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē 

plural peonies

: any of a genus of plants that are widely grown for their large red, pink, or white flowers