pea

noun

ˈpē 

plural peas also pease ˈpēz 

often attributive

1

a

: a variable annual Eurasian vine (Lathyrus oleraceus) 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

Protein powders made from plants like rice, peas or soy have been found to contain triple the amount of lead compared to products made from whey, the liquid byproduct of cheese, the report finds. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

The recipe now includes pea starch — which is used in coating the waffle fries, according to the Chick-fil-A website. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025

Choose among dishes like vegetable biryani, paneer butter masala, and methi matar malai, a creamy curry flavored with sweet green peas and earthy fenugreek leaves. —Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 3 Jan. 2025

Some varieties of instant ramen also come with dehydrated vegetables such as peas, carrots and corn - and some people also add their own toppings to instant ramen at home. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025

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