1 pea | Definition of pea

pea

noun, often attributive
\ ˈpē How to pronounce pea (audio) \
plural peas also pease\ ˈpÄ“z How to pronounce pease (audio) \

Definition of pea

1a : 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 chickpeablack-eyed pea also : the seed of such a plant
3 : something resembling a pea (as in size or shape)

Illustration of pea

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

September/October, inland: seeds of fava beans, peas, spinach. Pam Peirce, SFChronicle.com, "Plant now: A Mediterranean garden for the fall," 6 Sep. 2019 Seafood dishes include seared scallops with Romesco sauce and squid ink fregola; grilled salmon with gigante beans and pea shoot pesto; and seafood risotto. Greg Morago, Houston Chronicle, "Warehouse 72, Spaghetti Warehouse’s upscale sibling, to open Aug. 1 in Houston," 9 July 2019 More than 75% of your meal should comprise vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and protein sources should include beans, peas, nuts, seeds and soy. The Conversation, "Confused about what to eat? Science can help," 5 July 2019 There’s a good amount in beans, peas, nuts, and seeds, for instance, while vegetables and grains generally contain smaller amounts, according to the FDA. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Here's What Actually Happens in Your Body When You Eat Protein," 20 June 2019 Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest meat producers, recently announced plans to sell nuggets made from pea protein. Washington Post, "KFC partners with Beyond Meat," 26 Aug. 2019 Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest meat producers, recently announced plans to sell nuggets made from pea protein. chicagotribune.com, "KFC to test Beyond Meat plant-based 'chicken’ nuggets and wings," 26 Aug. 2019 Their signature products, the Impossible Burger and the Beyond Burger, made with soy and pea protein respectively, are marketed as being more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Edvige Jean-françois, CNN, "Could fake meat burgers make cows obsolete?," 22 Aug. 2019 Tyson also plans to sell burgers and sausages that blend beef and chicken with pea protein, quinoa and barley. Jacob Bunge, WSJ, "Tyson’s New Nuggets Swap In Peas for Chicken, as Meatless Frenzy Grows," 13 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pea.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of pea

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

History and Etymology for pea

back-formation from Middle English pease (taken as a plural), from Old English pise, from Latin pisa, plural of pisum, from Greek pison

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for pea

pea

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pea

: a small, round, green seed that is eaten as a vegetable and that is formed in a seed case (called a pod) of a climbing plant also : a plant that produces peas

pea

noun
\ ˈpē How to pronounce pea (audio) \
plural peas\ ˈpÄ“z \

Kids Definition of pea

1 : a round green seed that is eaten as a vegetable and comes from the pods of a climbing garden plant
2 : a plant (as the sweet pea) resembling or related to the garden plant that produces peas

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on pea

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with pea

Spanish Central: Translation of pea

Nglish: Translation of pea for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of pea for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pea