peanuts

word · lemma: peanut

/ˈpiˌnəts/
PEE-nuhts
/pˈiːnʌts/
PEE-nuhts

Definition

Peanuts are small edible nuts that grow in shells underground and are often eaten as a snack or used to make oil or peanut butter. In informal English, 'peanuts' can also mean a very small amount of money.

Usage & Nuances

Usually plural when talking about the food: 'I bought some peanuts.' The singular 'peanut' is common in compounds like 'peanut butter' or when referring to one nut. Informally, 'work for peanuts' means earn very little money. Be careful: peanuts can cause serious allergies.

Example Sentences

I put some peanuts in a small bowl.

basic

She cannot eat peanuts because of her allergy.

basic

These peanuts are salted.

basic

They expect us to work weekends for peanuts.

natural

I was hungry, so I grabbed a handful of peanuts.

natural

At the bar, they gave us free peanuts with our drinks.

natural