1
: a slender stem that supports the blade of a foliage leaf
2
: peduncle
specifically : a slender abdominal segment joining the rest of the abdomen to the thorax in some insects

Examples of petiole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Usually, three leaflets are attached to one petiole (the stalk that holds a leaf to the main stem or branch). Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2024 Poison ivy has compound leaves, meaning several leaflets are on one petiole or stalk. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin petiolus, from Latin petiolus, peciolus small foot, fruit stalk, probably alteration of Latin *pediciolus, diminutive of pediculus, diminutive of ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of petiole was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near petiole

Cite this Entry

“Petiole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petiole. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

: the thin stem of a leaf

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