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

Surrounding the bride and groom was a riot of flowers including peonies and hyacinths from the historic Di Peri floricultural company in Villabate. —Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 June 2026

Gardeners can fix individual flower stalks to wooden, metal, or plastic stakes, and supportive cages similar to those used for peonies or tomatoes can work well, too. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026

Tree peonies, fern peonies, and woodland peonies bloom first; hybrid varieties, like true reds and corals, bloom mid-season; and other peonies bloom in the latter half of spring. —Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026

Choose from 100 varieties, including peonies in the spring and gladiolus in the summer. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 June 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