poppy seed

American  

noun

1. seed of the poppy plant, used as an ingredient or topping for breads, rolls, cakes, and cookies.

---

poppy seed British  

noun

1. the small grey seeds of one type of poppy flower, used esp on loaves and as a cake filling

---

Etymology

Origin of poppy seed

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

The LED recording light is about the size of a poppy seed, so it’s on you to tell people you’re wearing a wire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Even though Horton hadn’t taken cough medicine, health officials say consuming poppy seed products can lead to positive results for morphine, codeine or both due to the sensitivity of the drug tests.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2024

Tiny ticks at the nymph stage — about the size of poppy seed — could be active early this year, said Dr. Bobbi Pritt, who studies tick-borne diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2023

I think the poppy seed fruit salad days hit at just the wrong time for me.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2023

Mother talked of the delicious poppy seed soup and cranberry pudding.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys