pea

noun, often attributive

\ ˈpē

plural peas also pease\ ˈpēz

Definition of pea

1a : a variable annual Eurasian vine (Pisum sativum) of the legume family that is cultivated especially for its rounded smooth or wrinkled edible protein-rich seeds

b : the seed of the pea

c peas also pease plural : the immature pods of the pea with their included seeds

2 : any of various leguminous plants related to or resembling the pea —usually used in combination or with a qualifying term chickpeablack-eyed pea also : the seed of such a plant

3 : something resembling a pea (as in size or shape)

Examples of pea in a Sentence

We're growing tomatoes and peas in our garden this year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Frozen vegetables like a bag of edamame, peas or corn thaw quickly at room temperature and make great additions to salads, tacos and salsas. — Terri Milligan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Keep your cool: No-heat cooking keeps you comfortable and the food fresh," 5 July 2018 In their second Slow Food contribution, fillets of steamed hake rest in a fragrant broth along with plump peas and steamed cockles. — Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, "This Recipe Delivers an Early Taste of Spring," 8 Mar. 2019 Add peas and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. — Kate Merker, Country Living, "Pearl Couscous With Leeks and Peas," 18 Mar. 2019 Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water 6 minutes, then add peas and cook until pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes more. — Molly Baz, Bon Appetit, "Orecchiette with Buttermilk, Peas, and Pistachios," 28 May 2018 Add cold butter and rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles small peas. — Judy Buchenot, Naperville Sun, "Honoring dietary restrictions can be tricky," 2 Mar. 2018 Kids ages 2-3 should use a rice grain-sized amount, while kids age 3 and up should use a pea-sized amount. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Your Kids Are Probably Using Too Much Toothpaste, And It’s Hurting Their Teeth," 6 Feb. 2019 Nutrition: Choose a product that is fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Almond and coconut milk have almost no protein so if looking for a protein boost, pea protein milks or soy and to a lesser extent oatmeal would be a better choice. — Sheah Rarback, miamiherald, "Lots of choices for milk substitutes, but beware of sugar content | Miami Herald," 24 May 2018 Sprinkle butter over mixture and cut in using a pastry cutter or fork, or pulse in the food processor, until the butter is blended into the flour in pea-sized pies. — Polly Campbell, Cincinnati.com, "A recipe and the cook behind it: Kat Cahill of Saundra's Kitchen," 28 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pea.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

25 May 2019

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The first known use of pea was in 1666

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More Definitions for pea

pea

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pea

: a small, round, green seed that is eaten as a vegetable and that is formed in a seed case (called a pod) of a climbing plant also : a plant that produces peas

See the full definition for pea in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pea

noun

\ ˈpē

plural peas\ ˈpēz \