peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē How to pronounce peony (audio)
plural peonies
1
: any of a genus (Paeonia of the family Paeoniaceae) of chiefly Eurasian plants with large often double flowers
2
: the flower of a peony

Examples of peony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 2023 has more cabernet sauvignon and franc than usual, which gives it aromas of violets and peonies and a dark violet and mineral taste. —Elin McCoy, Fortune Europe, 11 May 2024 Correspondent Conor Knighton talks with artists who create pristine peonies and pansies, life-like lilacs, and ridiculously large roses, using little more than paper, paint and glue. —David Morgan, CBS News, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for peony 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peony.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English piony, from Anglo-French peonie, pioiné, from Latin paeonia, from Greek paiōnia, from Paiōn Paeon, physician of the gods

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peony was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing peony

Dictionary Entries Near peony

peonize

peony

peony-flowered

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Peony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peony. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

peony

noun
pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē How to pronounce peony (audio)
plural peonies
: any of a genus of plants that are widely grown for their large red, pink, or white flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on peony

Nglish: Translation of peony for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peony

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