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

The peonies had a glorious two-week flash in late spring; dahlias are on deck for late summer, ready to churn out rounds of dinner-plate-size blooms. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026

In addition to the candles, the smells of foxgloves, peonies, and birch permeated the space in floral arrangements done by Philippa Craddock. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

Visual effects have their own names—chrysanthemum, peony, willow, palm. — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Issues like a late spell of cold weather or extended periods of drought can also affect peony flowering and make plants flower less or not at all. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 31 July 2026

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