pea

noun

ˈpē 

plural peas also pease ˈpēz 

often attributive

1

a

: a variable annual Eurasian vine (Pisum sativum) 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

Bake for 20 to 28 minutes, stirring in the peas after 10 minutes, until the salmon is just turning opaque. —Flow Space, 17 June 2024

His hand also appeared in a second photo while dining over a plate of peas and risotto with Kardashian in a restaurant. —Emma Aerin Becker, Peoplemag, 16 June 2024

For a sturdier crust (for custard pies and for use with decorative techniques), mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Make a well in center of flour mixture. —Erin McDowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2024

In online taste tests, Impossible often beat Beyond’s burgers, which are based on peas. —Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024

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