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.
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

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 14 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pea

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!