peanut: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal, depending on context. The literal sense is neutral; the metaphorical 'small amount' is informal.
Quick answer
What does “peanut” mean?
A small, oval seed (legume) of a plant (Arachis hypogaea) that grows underground, typically with a thin brown shell, eaten as food or pressed for oil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, oval seed (legume) of a plant (Arachis hypogaea) that grows underground, typically with a thin brown shell, eaten as food or pressed for oil.
Something considered small, insignificant, or of little value (e.g., a small amount of money). Also, used to denote small electrical connectors or certain small, often reddish-brown, objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English uses 'groundnut' as a less common, more technical synonym. US English uses 'goober' (informal, regional). The UK term 'monkey nut' is sometimes used for raw peanuts in the shell.
Connotations
Similar connotations of triviality in both dialects ('peanuts' for small money).
Frequency
More common in US English due to its historical role as a major crop. 'Peanut butter' is slightly more culturally central in the US, but ubiquitous in both.
Grammar
How to Use “peanut” in a Sentence
eat/have/crunch/shell [peanuts]be allergic/sensitive to [peanuts]grow/harvest [peanuts]pay/earn [peanuts] (informal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peanut” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Peanut is not used as a verb in standard British English.
American English
- Peanut is not used as a verb in standard American English.
adverb
British English
- Peanut is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Peanut is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- We need a peanut-free lunch table for the child with the allergy.
- He has a small peanut farm.
American English
- The recipe calls for peanut oil for frying.
- She ordered a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The bonus was just peanuts compared to my base salary."
Academic
"The Arachis hypogaea, or peanut, is a key crop in sustainable agriculture due to its nitrogen-fixing properties."
Everyday
"Would you like some peanuts with your drink?"
Technical
"The peanut kernel contains approximately 45-50% oil and 25-30% protein."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “peanut”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “peanut”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peanut”
- *'Peanut' is a nut.' (Incorrect; it's a legume.)
- Using non-countable form for individual seeds: 'I ate a peanut.' vs. 'I ate some peanut.' (the latter is wrong for the seed).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, despite its name, a peanut is botanically a legume, like peas and beans. It grows underground, not on trees.
It is an informal idiom meaning to work for a very small amount of money, or for a salary considered unfairly low.
They are synonyms. 'Groundnut' is more common in UK English and in technical/agricultural contexts, while 'peanut' is the universal everyday term.
Yes. You can have one peanut, two peanuts, etc., when referring to the individual seeds. It is also used uncountably (like a substance) in compounds like 'peanut butter'.
A small, oval seed (legume) of a plant (Arachis hypogaea) that grows underground, typically with a thin brown shell, eaten as food or pressed for oil.
Peanut is usually neutral to informal, depending on context. the literal sense is neutral; the metaphorical 'small amount' is informal. in register.
Peanut: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːnʌt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːnət/ (or /ˈpiːnʌt/). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to work for peanuts (to work for very little money)”
- “to be peanuts (to be a trivial amount of money)”
- “peanut gallery (chiefly US: people who criticise from a distance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PEA + NUT. It's a 'pea' that looks and is eaten like a 'nut'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY IS PEANUTS (e.g., 'That salary is peanuts').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'peanut gallery'?