buckwheat

noun

buck·​wheat ˈbək-ˌ(h)wēt 

1

: any of a genus (Fagopyrum of the family Polygonaceae, the buckwheat family) of Eurasian herbs with alternate leaves, clusters of apetalous pinkish-white flowers, and triangular seeds

especially : either of two plants (F. esculentum and F. tartaricum) cultivated for their edible seeds

2

: the seed of a buckwheat used as a cereal grain

Examples of buckwheat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some blends combine protein from whole grains—like brown rice, buckwheat, millet, and seeds—and legumes. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 9 June 2024

Native plants such as sage, buckwheat and lemonade berry used in the restoration are propagated locally at places such as the Nature Conservancy in Encinitas. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024

Another old favorite tonight, a traditional Brittany dish: buckwheat crepes filled with asparagus, Gruyère, and ham. —Bon Appétit, 3 May 2024

Options such as a pillow with buckwheat hulls can significantly improve your comfort levels. —Hilary Tetenbaum, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Dutch boekweit, from Middle Dutch boecweit, from boec- (akin to Old High German buohha beech tree) + weit wheat — more at beech

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

buckwheat

noun

buck·​wheat ˈbək-ˌhwēt 

-ˌwēt

: either of two plants with white or greenish flowers that are grown for their dark triangular seeds which are used as a cereal grain

also : the seeds of a buckwheat