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noun

buckwheat

BUHK-eet

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
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 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.

Word forms

buckwheats plural

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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

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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