buckwheat

noun

buck·​wheat ˈbək-ˌ(h)wēt How to pronounce buckwheat (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Fagopyrum of the family Polygonaceae, the buckwheat family) of Eurasian herbs with alternate leaves, clusters of apetalous pinkish-white flowers, and triangular seeds
especially : either of two plants (F. esculentum and F. tartaricum) cultivated for their edible seeds
2
: the seed of a buckwheat used as a cereal grain

Examples of buckwheat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Foods High in Phytates and Oxalates Phytates and oxalates are chemical compounds found naturally in foods like spinach, rice bran, almonds, buckwheat, rhubarb, and Swiss chard. — Emmanuella Ogbonna, HEALTH, 26 Aug. 2026 The Original Ol’ South Pancakes are your more traditional fluffy style served in buttermilk, homestyle, buckwheat, or corn. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Don’t put memory foam, latex, or buckwheat pillows in the dryer. — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026 She’s known for having an exceptionally deft hand with breads like sourdough, buckwheat, and rosemary focaccia. — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buckwheat

Word History

Etymology

Dutch boekweit, from Middle Dutch boecweit, from boec- (akin to Old High German buohha beech tree) + weit wheat — more at beech

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buckwheat was in 1548

Rhymes for buckwheat

See All Rhymes for buckwheat

Browse Nearby Words

buckwash
buckwheat
buckwheat cake
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buckwheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buckwheat. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

buckwheat

noun
buck·​wheat ˈbək-ˌhwēt How to pronounce buckwheat (audio)
-ˌwēt
: either of two plants with white or greenish flowers that are grown for their dark triangular seeds which are used as a cereal grain
also : the seeds of a buckwheat

More from Merriam-Webster on buckwheat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about buckwheat

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