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

Alternative spreads like low-fat Greek yogurt, mashed chickpeas, and almond butter can make toasts a high-protein meal. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2026

Thanks to their high levels of mostly soluble dietary fiber and resistant starch, chickpeas have a probiotic effect, acting as an energy source and encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026

The Ras El Hanout Cauliflower Bowl is a colorful throwback to that era, where lovely veggies top a chickpea salad that’s served with a small bit of pita for scooping. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Using black-eyed peas instead of chickpeas, this hummus recipe has a smokier quality. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 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