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

While soaking seeds is nothing new, try softening harder coated seeds such as corn, beans, peas, or squash overnight for quicker, more successful growth. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024

Its centerpiece is a lavishly tender, pastel-green frittata filled with pea purée, mint and ricotta. —Clare De Boer, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2024

Apparently, Girard found shrimp from 2020 and peas from 2014 in there. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2024

One carton contains eight grams of protein from pea protein and chia seeds, along with eight grams of fat and 26 grams of carbohydrates, making this a well-rounded drink. —Tamar Kane, Ms, Rd, Parents, 27 Mar. 2024

If your sweetie is a savory breakfast fan, try whipping up this pea and potato quiche. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2024

Thai Curry Snow Pea Stir-Fry Snow peas get a speedy assist from jarred Thai curry paste (red or green) to create a light meal when paired with cooked rice or noodles. —Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024

This would include beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Swiss chard, kale, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2024

To my surprise, my favorite was the calamari and peas, an old family recipe of Baldino’s. —Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 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
• pea bean
• pea jacket
• pea soup
• English pea
• split pea
• sugar pea
• sugar snap pea
• snap pea
• sweet pea
• field pea
• pea-souper
• pea green
• snow pea
• pigeon pea
• pea aphid
• rosary 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