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

The 373-piece set features an assortment of blooms, including Billy buttons, bluebells, a tulip, and a peony, which can be assembled and then customized into a beautiful bouquet. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025

In this perfume, white florals like peony and ylang ylang are balanced with two forms of sweet, warm vanilla and a juicy hit of Mandarin orange. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Dec. 2025

Van Wert in northeast Ohio is home to a peony festival on the first Friday and Saturday of June. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2025

The jacket was also the same peony pink as her boots and ski suit, giving the entire look a monochromatic touch. —Tara Larson, Footwear News, 27 Nov. 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