peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē 

plural peonies

1

: any of a genus (Paeonia of the family Paeoniaceae) of chiefly Eurasian plants with large often double flowers

2

: the flower of a peony

Examples of peony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

April 26 - June 15: Adelman Peony Gardens’ Open House (Salem, OR) See fields of pom-pom-like peonies ranging from pure white to deep burgundy with a visit to Adelman’s in Salem, Oregon, about 40 miles southwest of Portland. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Come spring, the grounds burst with color, namely the 200-plus cherry blossom trees that bloom in April, and the lilacs, bluebells, and peonies springing to life throughout May. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025

Tucked within its bouquet of lily of the valley, rose, and peony, wild strawberries add a berry-fresh spin to the whole garden fantasy. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025

There are silkscreened golden sections, their patterning vaguely recalling that of a crosshatched gate depicted nearby that just barely contains overflowing peonies. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English piony, from Anglo-French peonie, pioiné, from Latin paeonia, from Greek paiōnia, from Paiōn Paeon, physician of the gods

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing peony

• tree peony

Kids Definition

peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē 

plural peonies

: any of a genus of plants that are widely grown for their large red, pink, or white flowers