peach

¹ American  

[peech] / pitʃ /

noun

1. the subacid, juicy, drupaceous fruit of a tree, Prunus persica, of the rose family.

2. the tree itself, cultivated in temperate climates.

3. a light pinkish yellow, as of a peach.

4. Informal. a person or thing that is especially attractive, liked, or enjoyed.

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adjective

1. made or cooked with peaches or a flavor like that of a peach.

   peach pie.

2. of the color peach.

peach ² American  

[peech] / pitʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to inform against an accomplice or associate.

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verb (used with object)

1. to inform against; betray.

peach ¹ British  

/ piːtʃ /

noun

1. a small rosaceous tree, Prunus persica, with pink flowers and rounded edible fruit: cultivated in temperate regions See also nectarine

2. the soft juicy fruit of this tree, which has a downy reddish-yellow skin, yellowish-orange sweet flesh, and a single stone See also nectarine

3. 1. a pinkish-yellow to orange colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a peach dress

4. informal a person or thing that is especially pleasing

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peach ² British  

/ piːtʃ /

verb

1. slang (intr except in obsolete uses) to inform against an accomplice

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Other Word Forms

• peacher noun
• peachlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of peach¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English peche, peoch, from Old French pesche, peske, from unrecorded Vulgar Latin pess(i)ca, neuter plural (taken as feminine singular) of Latin Persicum, mālum Persicum “peach,” literally, “Persian apple,” translation of Greek mêlon persikón “peach (fruit)”

Origin of peach²

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English pechen, shortening of Middle English apechen, from Anglo-French apecher, from Late Latin impedicāre “to hold up, entangle”; impeach

Example Sentences

Roasting fruit — berries, peaches, even cranberries tossed with a little honey and citrus zest until jammy — turns smoothies, oatmeal and salads into something celebratory.

From Salon

Each forkful is a study in contrast—the peaches tender and juicy, the crust sturdy yet tender, the meringue airy yet just dense enough to melt into the fruit beneath.

From Salon

In one body of work, concrete peaches have pits of engines, and in another, massive fruit sculptures are decadent and disgusting in their dreamy blooming mold.

From Los Angeles Times

There were heaping plates of pancakes served with warm honey, and sliced peaches cooked in butter and sugar, and platters of fluffy scrambled eggs, tender and lemon yellow.

From Literature

If the world came to a standstill at midnight on January 1, 2000, at least she would have two things she cherished: peaches and Michael.

From Literature

Related Words

• acceptable
• delicious
• delightful
• enjoyable
• gratifying
• mild
• pleasant
• satisfying