pigeon pea

noun

1. a tropical shrub, Cajanus cajan, having showy yellow flowers.
2. the brown, edible seed of this plant.

pigeon pea

noun

1. another name for dhal

Word History and Origins

Origin of pigeon pea¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

Like Judith Harry and her neighbors, they are sowing pigeon peas to shade their soils from a hotter, more scorching sun.

From New York Times

Masy Liafineno’e, a single mother of seven children, has planted hedges of pigeon pea shrubs as a windbreaker to shield her few rows of beans, corn and sweet potatoes that have sprouted against the odds.

From New York Times

Along with cover crops, planting trees that help slow the wind increased the pigeon pea harvest by 50 percent — and this was despite a Category 5 hurricane hitting the island during the study period.

From New York Times

The potted pigeon pea and papaya planted in spring are leafy and green, soon to bear fruit.

From Reuters

Arroz con gandules, or rice with pigeon peas, is a Puerto Rican classic, and Robin de Jesús wears the shirt with pride under a burnt orange jacket.

From New York Times