noun
buckwheat
BUHK-eet
noun
1
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."
2
The seed of this plant, eaten as a pseudocereal.
"Buckwheat is a staple ingredient in traditional Russian kasha."
How to Use Buckwheat
Learner’s notesIn 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.
Word Forms
buckwheats plural
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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.