plural peas also pease ˈpēz How to pronounce pea (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: 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
chickpea
black-eyed pea
also : the seed of such a plant
3
: something resembling a pea (as in size or shape)

Illustration of pea

Illustration of pea
  • pea 1a

Examples of pea in a Sentence

We're growing tomatoes and peas in our garden this year.
Recent Examples on the Web Along with a slew of other fancy five-star ingredients, like ceramides, resveratrol, truffle extracts, platinum extracts, and pea proteins, this creamy treatment can be used as a pre-conditioner or post-shampoo rinse-off that promotes shine and strength. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 9 Nov. 2023 Garnish with walnuts and pea shoots or microgreens, and pass more berry sauce alongside. Sean Sherman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Nov. 2023 Their presentation housed notable guests — Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber and Pamela Anderson — who were offered chic snacks to munch on from chocolate to pea shoots and grapes, along with hot and cold beverages. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 20 Oct. 2023 The characteristics the team specifically looked for were acidity, gel firmness, and how well the bacteria were able to cover up the vegetal flavors of the pea protein with buttery and creamy overtones reminiscent of dairy cheese. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Oct. 2023 There are over 100 options that can be added to your broths, like sliced lamb, fish balls, shrimp paste, pea shoots, and lotus root. Caroline Shin, Bon Appétit, 13 Oct. 2023 Public funding for alternative proteins, such as oat milk and burgers made of pea protein, topped $600 million globally in 2022. Noah Gordon, The New Republic, 3 Oct. 2023 Chickpeas are a member of the pulse family, along with lentils, beans, and peas, like black-eyed peas and split peas.2 Hummus has many health-promoting benefits thanks to its main ingredient, chickpeas. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 24 Sep. 2023 Place peas and water to cover by 2 inches in a large bowl. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pea.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from Middle English pease (taken as a plural), from Old English pise, from Latin pisa, plural of pisum, from Greek pison

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of pea was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near pea

Cite this Entry

“Pea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pea. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

pea

noun
plural peas also pease ˈpēz How to pronounce pea (audio)
1
a
: a plant of the legume family that is widely grown for its pods of protein-rich edible rounded seeds
b
: the seed of a pea
2
: a plant (as the sweet pea) related to the pea

More from Merriam-Webster on pea

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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