often attributive
1
a
: a variable annual Eurasian vine (Lathyrus oleraceus) 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
chickpea
black-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
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.
Lueke said cooks can swap in different proteins or add seasonal ingredients such as squash in the fall or asparagus and peas in the spring. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Tiny, meltingly tender lady peas, creamed and seasoned with tomato and Jimmy Nardellos. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 The deal includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberries, dinner rolls, peas, carrots, celery, whipping cream and pumpkin pie ingredients. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2026 Following the Blackfoot River and then crossing the Continental Divide, golden aspen trees give way to wide-open fields for wheat and peas where Tester's family has farmed for over a century. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pea

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of pea was in 1666

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

1
a
: a plant of the legume family that is widely grown for its pods of protein-rich edible rounded seeds
b
: the seed of a pea
2
: a plant (as the sweet pea) related to the pea

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