pekoe

noun

pe·​koe ˈpē-(ˌ)kō How to pronounce pekoe (audio)
also ˈpe-
: a tea made from young leaves slightly larger than those of orange pekoe

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Xiamen) pek-ho

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pekoe was in 1713

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pekoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pekoe. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

pekoe

noun
pe·​koe ˈpē-kō How to pronounce pekoe (audio)
: a black tea made from small-sized tea leaves especially in India and Ceylon
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