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

Common beans, soybeans, chickpeas, peas, and lentils have higher levels. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 11 Feb. 2025

Plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt made with soy or peas can be a great source of protein. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025

Veggie Seeds to Soak peas squash beets peppers beans cucumbers pumpkin corn chard 11 Essential Tips for Growing Vegetables from Seed for Beginners Super hard seeds like beans will benefit from nicking the seed coat with a sandpaper block, file, or sharp knife before soaking. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025

Last month, a committee issued its proposal, recommending that people eat more beans, peas and lentils as protein sources and decrease the consumption of processed and red meat. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 26 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