peanut

pea·nut | \ ˈpē-(ˌ)nət

Definition of peanut

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a low-branching widely cultivated annual herb (Arachis hypogaea) of the legume family with showy yellow flowers having a peduncle which elongates and bends into the soil where the ovary ripens into a pod containing one to three oily edible seeds also : its seed or seed-containing pod

2 : an insignificant or tiny person

3 peanuts plural : a trifling amount

4 : a pellet usually made of polystyrene foam that is used especially as packing material

peanut

adjective

Definition of peanut (Entry 2 of 2)

: insignificant, petty peanut politics

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about peanut

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Examples of peanut in a Sentence

Noun Five billion dollars is peanuts compared to what the government spends each year. He works all day for peanuts. Adjective this is a peanut matter, and we're fools for wasting time on it

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The menu has the Fat Puppy, a flour tortilla with peanut butter and banana for $3, and a tie-up is anchored to the exterior of the building for leashed dogs. — Carol Deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Paloma Taco & Tequila opens on Milwaukee's west side (with a taco for dogs, too)," 11 July 2020 Jennifer Brown Hyde: Boxes of cereal, peanut butter and loaves of bread. — David Begnaud, CBS News, "Chowchilla bus kidnapping survivor: "I felt like I was an animal going to the slaughterhouse"," 11 July 2020 Most popular, to date: how to make homemade jambalaya and how to make peanut butter cookie brownies. — Mary Bergin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Embracing the wider world': Spices sell quickly as coronavirus encourages home cooks," 8 July 2020 How has peanut butter not been the ultimate sponsor of Survivor? — Dalton Ross, EW.com, "Survivor Quarantine Questionnaire: Jenna Lewis spills All-Stars secrets," 8 July 2020 Michelle Thomas stands in line to get a breakfast burrito and pick up two peanut butter sandwiches to get her through the day. — Karina Bland, The Arizona Republic, "In the hardest of times, it's worth getting up in the morning. Here's how we remember," 8 July 2020 And of course there’s the food, much of it deep fried, from Twinkies, s’mores and cheesecake to avocados, pork ribs and peanut butter sandwiches. — Mark Dunphy, ExpressNews.com, "State Fair of Texas canceled because of the coronavirus," 7 July 2020 Bushwackers can be customized, too, by adding toppers like Skrewball whiskey, which is peanut butter-flavored, or banana rum. — Michelle Matthews | Mmatthews@al.com, al, "Why the bushwacker is the hottest drink on the beach," 5 July 2020 Other popular ones include the peanut-butter-and-jelly milkshake served at the ’50s Prime Time Café in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. — Julyssa Lopez, Glamour, "Copy Disney Park's Tokyo Sunset Cocktail at Home in Four Easy Steps Thanks to TikTok," 4 July 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Using Park Lane Pantry’s newest chocolate granola, plus peanut butter, coconut flour and cocoa powder, these energy bites are a refrigerator staple. — Dallas News, "Local gluten-free granola from Park Lane Pantry expanding to grocery stores," 26 May 2020 To prepare dressing, combine peanut butter, hoisin sauce, brown sugar and chili garlic paste until smooth. — Darlene Zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Asian Chicken Noodle Bowl is perfect make-ahead meal," 16 May 2020 In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, honey, ginger, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/4 cup reserved coconut mixture, and remaining ½ teaspoon chili sauce; set aside. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Thai-Style Peanut Chicken Wraps," 30 Apr. 2020 Two of our Presidents (Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter) were peanut farmers. — Amanda Erickson, Washington Post, "Europe is using peanut butter to send a message to Trump," 9 Mar. 2018 Two of our presidents (Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter) were peanut farmers. — Amanda Erickson, chicagotribune.com, "Europe is using peanut butter to send a message to Trump," 9 Mar. 2018 The sandwiches are not peanut butter on white bread. — Steve Rubenstein, SFChronicle.com, "On the bright side: Salvation Army rallies volunteer troops to feed SF’s homeless," 4 May 2020 Combine peanut butter, eggs, chocolate milk, cinnamon, and salt in a blender (or just mix well with a whisk!). — Whitney Perry, Glamour, "Disney’s French Toast Recipe: Here’s How to Make It at Home," 22 Apr. 2020 While peanut allergy symptoms can vary among individuals, the most extreme response is anaphylaxis. — Jamie Primeau, NBC News, "1st peanut allergy drug for children approved by FDA," 1 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'peanut.' 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

31 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Peanut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peanut. Accessed 6 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for peanut

peanut

noun

English Language Learners Definition of peanut

: a nut with a thin shell that grows under the ground and that can be eaten

informal : a very small amount of money

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

peanut

noun

pea·nut | \ ˈpē-ˌnət

Kids Definition of peanut

: a nutlike edible seed related to the pea that comes from the tough underground pods of a widely grown plant and that are eaten whole or crushed to form a spread ( peanut butter ) or produce oil for cooking ( peanut oil )

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