pigeon pea

noun

: a leguminous shrubby herb (Cajanus cajan) with trifoliate leaves, yellow flowers, and flattened pods that is much cultivated especially in the tropics
also : its small highly nutritious seed

Examples of pigeon 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.
Split peas come in at around eight grams of fiber per half cup cooked, while pigeon peas, black-eyed peas, and cowpeas all pack around six grams of fiber for that same amount. 5. — Caroline Tien, SELF, 18 Mar. 2025 Not long ago, these 40 or so low-lying islands – only eight of which are inhabited – might have been a place just for cracked conch, pigeon peas and callaloo stew. — Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigeon pea was in 1683

Rhymes for pigeon pea

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Browse Nearby Words

pigeon louse fly
pigeon pea
pigeon plover
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Cite this Entry

“Pigeon pea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigeon%20pea. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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