noun

buckwheat

BUHK-eet

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Buckwheat (noun) means a broad-leafed plant grown for its small, triangular seeds, which are used as a grain-like food even though it is not a true cereal or related to wheat. Example: “She made pancakes with buckwheat flour for a nuttier flavor.”

noun

A broad-leafed plant grown for its small, triangular seeds, which are used as a grain-like food even though it is not a true cereal or related to wheat.

"She made pancakes with buckwheat flour for a nuttier flavor."

The seed of this plant, eaten as a pseudocereal.

"Buckwheat is a staple ingredient in traditional Russian kasha."

"I'll need a few things. I'll need some mayonnaise and a silver tin of sardines, a banana. I'll need some buckwheat flapjack mix." — Sam Shepard (2017)

How to use buckwheat

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gluten-free grain-like seed used in flour, pancakes, and dishes like kasha and soba noodles.

Common mistake

Despite the name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat and contains no gluten.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: buckwheats

Test yourself on “buckwheat” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She made pancakes with _____ flour for a nuttier flavor.

Etymology

From Middle Low German "bōkwēte," literally "beech-wheat" — its triangular seeds resemble small beechnuts, though the plant is not actually related to wheat.

Origin: German

Rhymes for buckwheat

eat meat feat beat peat heat seat teat neat pleat sweat wheat

See all rhymes for buckwheat →

Frequently asked questions

What does “buckwheat” mean?

The word “buckwheat” means a broad-leafed plant grown for its small, triangular seeds, which are used as a grain-like food even though it is not a true cereal or related to wheat. In plain terms, a gluten-free grain-like seed used in flour, pancakes, and dishes like kasha and soba noodles.

How do you pronounce “buckwheat”?

“Buckwheat” is pronounced BUHK-eet (/ˈbʌkʍiːt/ in IPA).

How do you use “buckwheat” in a sentence?

Here is “buckwheat” used in a sentence: “She made pancakes with buckwheat flour for a nuttier flavor.”

What part of speech is “buckwheat”?

“Buckwheat” is a noun.

Where does the word “buckwheat” come from?

The word “buckwheat” comes from German. From Middle Low German "bōkwēte," literally "beech-wheat" — its triangular seeds resemble small beechnuts, though the plant is not actually related to wheat.

How many meanings does “buckwheat” have?

“Buckwheat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a broad-leafed plant grown for its small, triangular seeds, which are used as a grain-like food even though it is not a true cereal or related to wheat.

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Vocabulary lists that include buckwheat:

Words with German origins