peanutty

Peanutty is an informal adjective meaning that something tastes, smells, or has a texture characteristic of peanuts. It is especially common when describing foods, such as a peanutty sauce, frosting, or roasted snack. The word conveys the warm, savory, and slightly earthy qualities associated with peanuts and is often more descriptive than the more general word nutty. Although peanutty is used chiefly in North American English, it is understandable elsewhere. In contrast to nutty, which can also describe someone as eccentric or crazy, peanutty has a much narrower and largely culinary focus. It is a useful word when someone wants to identify a peanut-related flavor or aroma without simply repeating the word peanut.

Having the taste, smell, or texture characteristic of peanuts; peanut-flavored.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does peanutty come from?

Peanutty was formed in the 20th century by adding the suffix -y to the noun peanut, a word of uncertain origin that probably developed from a term referring to a pea-like plant. The suffix -y is commonly used to create adjectives describing a characteristic quality or resemblance. Peanutty therefore literally means “having the character of a peanut,” though its modern use is especially associated with food flavors and aromas.

How peanutty is actually used

Informal and chiefly North American. It is most often used for food and cooking, while nutty can have additional figurative meanings.

Easily confused with peanutty

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Words and phrases paired with peanutty

Rhymes with peanutty