noun
peon
PEE-uhn
Peon (noun) means a person with little power or status, especially one doing low-level, menial work. Example: “As the newest hire, she felt like a peon fetching coffee for everyone.”
noun
1
A person with little power or status, especially one doing low-level, menial work.
"As the newest hire, she felt like a peon fetching coffee for everyone."
How to use peon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone treated as low-ranking or unimportant, often in a workplace.
When to use it
Usually used informally, sometimes dismissively.
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Word forms
- Plural
- peons, peones
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
As the newest hire, she felt like a _____ fetching coffee for everyone.
Etymology
From Spanish peón and French peon, both from Late Latin pedōnem, "pedestrian, foot soldier" — a doublet of "pawn."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for peon
See all rhymes for peon →Frequently asked questions
What does “peon” mean?
The word “peon” means a person with little power or status, especially one doing low-level, menial work. In plain terms, someone treated as low-ranking or unimportant, often in a workplace.
How do you pronounce “peon”?
“Peon” is pronounced PEE-uhn (/ˈpi.ɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “peon” in a sentence?
Here is “peon” used in a sentence: “As the newest hire, she felt like a peon fetching coffee for everyone.”
What part of speech is “peon”?
“Peon” is a noun.
Where does the word “peon” come from?
The word “peon” comes from Late Latin. From Spanish peón and French peon, both from Late Latin pedōnem, "pedestrian, foot soldier" — a doublet of "pawn.".
