buckwheat

noun

buck·​wheat ˈbək-ˌ(h)wēt 

1

: any of a genus (Fagopyrum of the family Polygonaceae, the buckwheat family) of Eurasian herbs with alternate leaves, clusters of apetalous pinkish-white flowers, and triangular seeds

especially : either of two plants (F. esculentum and F. tartaricum) cultivated for their edible seeds

2

: the seed of a buckwheat used as a cereal grain

Examples of buckwheat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Of course, the pancakes are the big draw, including buttermilk and buckwheat flapjacks stuffed with fruit. —Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2025

Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer The moisturizer is formulated with a ceramide blend and buckwheat honey to lock in moisture, along with fig extract to help restore moisture and smooth the complexion. —Shalwah Evans, People.com, 26 July 2025

Most sources lump it in with grains although it is technically classified as a pseudo-cereal grain, along with amaranth and buckwheat. —Cathy Thomas, Mercury News, 15 July 2025

While quinoa and buckwheat aren’t technically grains, they often get grouped together and provide fiber profiles similar to those of fruits and vegetables, offering soluble and insoluble fiber. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Dutch boekweit, from Middle Dutch boecweit, from boec- (akin to Old High German buohha beech tree) + weit wheat — more at beech

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for buckwheat

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete
• crabmeat

Kids Definition

buckwheat

noun

buck·​wheat ˈbək-ˌhwēt 

-ˌwēt

: either of two plants with white or greenish flowers that are grown for their dark triangular seeds which are used as a cereal grain

also : the seeds of a buckwheat