peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē 

plural peonies

1

: any of a genus (Paeonia of the family Paeoniaceae) of chiefly Eurasian plants with large often double flowers

2

: the flower of a peony

Examples of peony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Curated by co-creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Oscar de la Renta’s fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection took inspiration from the peony, featuring the flower in prints and appliqués throughout the collection. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025

In it, bamboo shoots weave through branches of peonies and delicate blossoms while birds and butterflies drift overhead. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025

Plant bare root peonies in late September, which will give their roots time to get established before cold winter temperatures set in. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025

In my garden, where peonies in every shade of pink erupted in June. —Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English piony, from Anglo-French peonie, pioiné, from Latin paeonia, from Greek paiōnia, from Paiōn Paeon, physician of the gods

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing peony

• tree peony

Kids Definition

peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē 

plural peonies

: any of a genus of plants that are widely grown for their large red, pink, or white flowers