chickpea

noun

chick·​pea ˈchik-ˌpē How to pronounce chickpea (audio)
: an Asian herb (Cicer arietinum) of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two seeds
also : its seed

Examples of chickpea 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.
Today’s recipe Fresh, crunchy bread crumbs add contrast to this light chickpea and escarole soup that eats like a hearty meal. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 In particular, chickpeas provide soluble fiber, which is known to help keep cholesterol levels in check. — Brianna Tobritzhofer, HEALTH, 21 Oct. 2026 Jalebi Chat — accented with nylon sev (a thin, crispy Indian snack made from chickpea flour) and silver varaq (a thin, edible sheet of silver used in South Asian treats). — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Sheet-Pan Chicken Souvlaki In this recipe, chicken skewers are stacked on top of chickpeas, which are also an excellent source of fiber. — Emily Laurence Sardinha, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chickpea

Word History

Etymology

alteration of chich pea, from Middle English chiche, from Anglo-French, from Latin cicer

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chickpea was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

chickling
chickpea
chickweed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chickpea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chickpea. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chickpea

noun
chick·​pea ˈchik-ˌpē How to pronounce chickpea (audio)
: an Asian herb of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two edible seeds
also : its seed

More from Merriam-Webster on chickpea

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chickpea

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