sweet pea

noun

1
: a widely cultivated Italian legume (Lathyrus odoratus) having slender usually climbing stems, ovate leaves, and large fragrant flowers
2
: the flower of a sweet pea

Examples of sweet pea 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.
Green sweet peas and delicate pea shoots weave through this simple bowl of orecchiette. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 2 June 2026 Add marigolds, foxglove, or sweet peas nearby to increase the number of bumblebees in the garden. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 Enjoy June-bearing strawberries, and cut bouquets of Monarda, sweet pea, and peonies. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2026 The bride held her bouquet by Millie Richardson in both images, and the arrangement featured sweet peas, myrtle and lily of the valley. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweet pea

Word History

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweet pea was in 1732

Rhymes for sweet pea

See All Rhymes for sweet pea

Browse Nearby Words

sweet orange
sweet pea
sweet pepper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sweet pea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweet%20pea. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sweet pea

noun
1
: a widely grown Italian herb of the legume family with slender climbing stems and large fragrant flowers
2
: the flower of a sweet pea

More from Merriam-Webster on sweet pea

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sweet pea

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