peat

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈpēt 

often attributive

1

: turf sense 4b

2

: partially carbonized vegetable tissue formed by partial decomposition in water of various plants (such as mosses of the genus Sphagnum)

peaty

ˈpē-tē 

adjective

peat

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a bold lively woman

Examples of peat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The use of this peat gives the Yamazaki single malt, which is not usually smoky, notes of brown sugar and hints of bitter orange citrus on the palate to complement the smoke. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 July 2024

Over time, peat covered the monument, which likely helped preserve it for thousands of years. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 15 July 2024

The rambling building’s pilings are sunk 33 feet deep into the peat. —Tribune News Service, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024

Official tasting notes describe green apples, honey, cream soda, and soft peat of a smoldering bonfire and smoked seafood on the palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English pete piece of peat, from Medieval Latin peta, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Cornish peyth bit, Welsh peth thing

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1566, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing peat

• four-peat
• peat moss
• three-peat

Kids Definition

peat

noun

ˈpēt

: a dark brown or blackish material that is the remains of plants partly decayed in water and is sometimes dug up and dried for use as fuel