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

According to Lidl and the FDA, there is undeclared milk in the Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables, frozen items that come in varieties such as carrots, peas, cauliflower,and corn. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024

Dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, string beans, kale, collards, chard, peas, and dandelion greens as well as sweet potatoes Nuts and seeds are also a rich source of vegetarian iron. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024

Cold-Hardy Vegetables Vegetables that do best in cool weather, such as broccoli and other brassicas, spinach, peas, radishes, and spring onions, can be started in winter too. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024

Legumes Legumes, including beans, peas, and lentils, are enjoyed in many dishes, from tacos and soups to salads and chilis. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 30 Nov. 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