peasant

noun

peas·​ant ˈpe-zᵊnt 

1

: a member of a European class of persons tilling the soil as small landowners or as laborers

This land was farmed by peasants for centuries.

also : a member of a similar class elsewhere

2

: a usually uneducated person of low social status

They treated us like a bunch of peasants.

Examples of peasant in a Sentence

They treated us like a bunch of peasants.

Recent Examples on the Web

That means dressing up as a knight, king, queen, lord or lady, maybe even a peasant or fairy. —Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 2 Oct. 2024

An estimated 20,000 people swarmed the 1378 conclave in Rome to make their opinion known, including peasants who traveled from the countryside. —Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024

Scarlet Darkness Gingham Cotton Blouse Featuring a gingham print and subtle puff sleeves, this peasant blouse is perfect for layering with a cozy cardigan. —Emma Guillen, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024

Scott is a leading Southeast Asia specialist who has produced numerous keen observations about peasants’ moral convictions, how states operate, the functions of political corruption, and the politics of the Asian highland regions. —Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English paissaunt, from Anglo-French paisant, pesaunt, from pais, paiis country, from Late Latin pagensis inhabitant of a district, from Latin pagus district; akin to Latin pangere to fix — more at pact

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

peasant

noun

peas·​ant ˈpez-ᵊnt 

1

: a European small farmer or farm laborer

2

: a member of a similar agricultural class elsewhere