chickpea

noun

chick·​pea ˈchik-ˌpē 

: an Asian herb (Cicer arietinum) of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two seeds

also : its seed

Examples of chickpea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sam was always at the store, or otherwise in the garden with Mymonie, tending to violets, chickpeas, and peppery leaves. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

Key Takeaways Swap popcorn for higher-fiber snacks like pears, berries, roasted chickpeas, and edamame for more variety. — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 17 Aug. 2026

For a vegetarian option, swap the pepperoni for cooked chickpeas, Great Northern, or cannellini beans. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor and add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of chich pea, from Middle English chiche, from Anglo-French, from Latin cicer

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

chickpea

noun

chick·​pea ˈchik-ˌpē 

: an Asian herb of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two edible seeds

also : its seed