What does peanut mean?
A peanut is a seed from a legume plant that is commonly eaten after being dried and roasted. Although it is called a nut in everyday language, it is botanically not a true nut; the plant belongs to the legume family, and the seed develops inside a pod beneath the ground. Peanuts are used in many foods, especially peanut butter, and are also roasted as a snack. The word can refer both to the seed and to the plant itself. In idiomatic English, peanuts means a very small amount, such as 'I paid only peanuts for the ticket.' In American English, goober is an informal alternative, though it may sound regional or colloquial. Peanuts are valued for their protein, healthy fats, and versatility in both everyday cooking and commercial food production.
nounA legume whose seed is eaten as a food, usually after being dried and roasted. The term also refers to the plant that produces this seed.
- The edible seed of a leguminous plant, commonly eaten roasted or processed into products such as peanut butter.
- The plant that produces the peanut seed.
"She spread peanut butter on her toast before leaving for work."
"The recipe calls for peanut butter, honey, and a pinch of salt."
"Peanuts are widely used in sauces, soups, and baked goods around the world."
The plural is used for individual peanut seeds and, informally, for a very small amount of money or something else.
"The children ate peanuts while watching the film."
The peanut is botanically a legume, not a true nut: its edible seed grows underground inside a pod.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peanut come from?
The word peanut is a compound of pea and nut, attested from the early 16th century. Its precise historical development is somewhat uncertain, but the name reflects the resemblance between peanuts and peas, both of which are legumes. The word peanut became established in English during the period when New World crops were increasingly familiar.
Related word forms
How peanut is actually used
In British English, peanut is the usual term. In American English, peanut is also standard, while goober is mainly informal or regional. The expression peanuts can mean a very small amount, as in 'It cost me peanuts.'