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

Instead of the usual peas and carrots, this Trader Joe’s version has edamame, slivers of hijiki seaweed, carrot strips, and little bits of fried tofu. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025

In same skillet, add frozen vegetables, peas and stir-fry sauce; mix well. —Susan Nicholson, arkansasonline.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Despite this, prices for peas, potatoes and garlic observed the three highest year-on-year hikes last month. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025

For an easy dinner recipe (and a little protein boost), try stir-frying them along with other veggies on this list, like edamame, green peas, and spinach. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 8 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