pea

noun

ˈpē 

plural peas also pease ˈpēz 

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

• pea 1a

Examples of pea in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Vegetarian squash tortas, pea potstickers with chile crisp, a cake that’s bursting with berries, and more wonderfully creamy ricotta cheese recipes. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appétit, 19 Apr. 2024

And there was this little grass pea plant, green and flowering. —Dan Charles, NPR, 18 Apr. 2024

Each scoop of this vegan collagen boost powder contains 14 grams of pea protein to help support your own collagen production. —April Benshosan, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2024

Veggies like artichokes, zucchini, peas, and avocados are just starting to come back in season. —Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024

Here, the mint is blended with peas (another springtime favorite), butter and lemon juice to make a bright, luscious puree to accompany lamb chops. —Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2024

While soaking seeds is nothing new, try softening harder coated seeds such as corn, beans, peas, or squash overnight for quicker, more successful growth. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024

Its centerpiece is a lavishly tender, pastel-green frittata filled with pea purée, mint and ricotta. —Clare De Boer, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2024

Apparently, Girard found shrimp from 2020 and peas from 2014 in there. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2024

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

Phrases Containing pea

• beach pea
• black-eyed pea
• English pea
• field pea
• pea aphid
• pea bean
• pea green
• pea jacket
• pea soup
• pea-souper
• pigeon pea
• rosary pea
• snap pea
• snow pea
• split pea
• sugar pea
• sugar snap pea
• sweet pea

Kids Definition

pea

noun

ˈpē 

plural peas also pease ˈpēz 

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