peanut

[ pee-nuht, -nuht ]

noun

1. the pod or the enclosed edible seed of the plant, Arachis hypogaea, of the legume family: the pod is forced underground in growing, where it ripens.
2. the plant itself.
3. any small or insignificant person or thing.
4. peanuts,
   1. Informal. a very small amount of money:

      working for peanuts.

   2. Slang. barbiturates.
   3. small pieces of Styrofoam used as a packing material.

adjective

1. of or relating to the peanut or peanuts.
2. made with or from peanuts.
3. Informal. small, insignificant, or petty.

peanut

/ ˈpiːˌnʌt /

noun

1. See also peanuts
   1. a leguminous plant, Arachis hypogaea, of tropical America: widely cultivated for its edible seeds. The seed pods are forced underground where they ripen See also hog peanut
   2. Also calledgoobergoober peaBritgroundnutBritmonkey nut the edible nutlike seed of this plant, used for food and as a source of oil

Other Words From

• pea·nut·ty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peanut¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800; pea ¹ + nut

Example Sentences

Frankly, these days, hearing a centenarian peanut farmer read you to sleep sounds like paradise.

From Los Angeles Times

The complaint alleges that Scheuer manipulated allergen notifications to indicate that certain items were safe for people with peanut allergies when they were not.

From Salon

You won’t be held liable for not asking about peanut allergies before handing out packages of Snickers.

From Los Angeles Times

Chocolates with whole nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, offer a boost of fiber, protein and omega-3 fats, making them a healthier choice.

From Salon

More than 20 spice products including dips, curry powders and seasonings have been recalled over fears they may contain peanuts not mentioned on the label.

From BBC

Related Words

• groundnut