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

These days, his legacy permeates the vibes here, encouraging locals and visitors to savor Sifnos’s flavors, from revithia (chickpea stew cooked overnight in a traditional clay pot) to manoura, a local cheese aged in wine lees. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026

For example, shoyu chicken, a sweet soy sauce braise, is reimagined with cauliflower and chickpeas. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

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

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