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”; see impeach

Explanation

A peach is a very sweet, juicy fruit with an edible peel and a hard pit in the middle. Peaches vary in color from almost white to yellow and pinkish-red. Peaches grow on trees in temperate climates — they need warm weather, but they also require a hard freeze in the winter to produce fruit. Before the fruit grows on the tree, it blooms in beautiful pink blossoms. Ripe peaches drip with sweetness. Informally, you can refer to something or someone this nice as a peach: "Thanks for driving me to school today! You're a peach!"

Example Sentences

“Girl dessert,” meanwhile, can either refer to a single-serving recipe for, say, peach cobbler or chocolate cake, or to an array of different treats—like popcorn, chocolate and candy—combined in a bowl.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Over the weekend, some in Scottish Labour were questioning why there hadn't been more focus on the regional ballot – sometimes called the "peach ballot" – in the election.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Other impressive features on the grounds include a saltwater pool; vegetable gardens; a wildflower meadow; an orchard of cherry, apple, and peach trees; and a sports court—ideal for Paul’s training.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Another night, we had tacos with three different oven-roasted salsas: tomato; a smoky, porky black bean and corn; and peach, jammy and just a little charred.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

Miss Spider, who was literally squealing with excitement, grabbed the Centipede by the waist and the two of them started dancing around and around the peach stem together.

From "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl

Related Words

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