peasant

word

/ˈpɛzənt/
PE-zuhnt
/pˈɛzənt/
PE-zuhnt

Definition

A peasant is a poor farmer, especially one who works on small land or for someone else, often in a traditional or rural society. The term can also refer, sometimes negatively, to someone seen as uneducated or unsophisticated.

Usage & Nuances

"Peasant" is mostly historical or academic, rarely used in everyday conversation except in a literary or negative context. It's sometimes used insultingly to mean 'uncultured person,' but this usage is informal and can be offensive. Common in discussions of medieval Europe or traditional farming societies.

Example Sentences

Many peasants lived in small villages long ago.

basic

The peasant worked in the field from sunrise to sunset.

basic

The king collected taxes from the peasants.

basic

During hard times, the peasants would share what little food they had.

natural

He called me a peasant just because I didn't know that fancy restaurant.

natural

Most of their traditions come from their peasant ancestors.

natural