: 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
pea 1a
Examples of pea in a Sentence
We're growing tomatoes and peas in our garden this year.
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For a more upscale fine-dining experience, head to Black Walnut, with seasonal favorites such as morel mushroom and English pea pasta and inventive cocktails like a caprese gimlet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Oct. 2026 From award-winning jerk pork wraps to classic rice and peas, every bite celebrates our heritage.—Charlotte Observer,
9 Oct. 2026 Applications Agriculture Similar to other legumes, butterfly pea harbors nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, enabling it to enrich the soil with nitrogen.—Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Oct. 2026 Peptides and stem cells are two peas in the pod of regenerative medicine, which focuses on therapies that claim to trigger the body’s natural healing mechanisms.—
Margaret Manto,
STAT,
5 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