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

Upon first sniff, there’s a palpable jammy sweetness thanks to the strawberry note that’s entangled with fresh blooms like white lily and peony. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026

Iris, peonies, surprise lilies, or any bulbs that grow or flower in late spring do not like to be exposed when temperatures drop far below freezing. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026

In an Austin suburb, this 2024 organic modern home features several children’s rooms, including one with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking treetops, and one that’s a nursery with a large-scale peony mural. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 24 Feb. 2026

Our picks include The Flamingo Estate Green Goddess candle, with notes of fresh mint, pea tendrils, rosemary and basil, as well as the Linnea Petals candle, with notes of peony, green stem and ambergris. —Claire Peltier, ABC News, 23 Feb. 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