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

For more soluble fiber, toss chickpeas or kidney beans into chili, or top a grain bowl with roasted broccoli. —Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Mar. 2026

Mint, feta, chickpeas, and cucumbers are often paired with lamb dishes in mediterranean cuisine. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

While Uzbeks often gem their plovs with raisins and chickpeas, Karakalpaks use only root vegetables and a shimmer of cottonseed oil—a reflection of scarcity in a dish usually defined by abundance. —Michael Snyder, Saveur, 11 Mar. 2026

Quinoa and chickpeas add heft to this vegetarian dish, pita chips add necessary crunch, and Kalamata olives bring pops of savoriness. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 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