peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē 

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

Fragrance notes: grapefruit, pineapple, tangerine, peony, vanilla, jasmine, and oakmoss. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 30 May 2024

Many peonies are fragrant, including 'Edulis Superba,' 'Festiva Maxima,' and 'Philippe Rivoire,' all three of which are of the herbaceous peony form. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 22 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing peony

• tree peony

Kids Definition

peony

noun

pe·​o·​ny ˈpē-ə-nē 

plural peonies

: any of a genus of plants that are widely grown for their large red, pink, or white flowers