Groundnut vs. Peanut — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 11, 2023
Groundnut and Peanut essentially refer to the same plant and its edible seed, but "Groundnut" is commonly used in British English and African contexts, while "Peanut" is more prevalent in American English.
Difference Between Groundnut and Peanut
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Groundnut and Peanut both refer to the same leguminous plant that produces edible seeds. However, the term "Groundnut" is frequently used in British English and is also common in Africa for describing the same seed.
The word "Groundnut" often appears in scientific or agricultural texts and might be considered a bit more formal. On the other hand, "Peanut" is a term predominantly used in American English and is more casual in tone.
Both Groundnut and Peanut are used in the culinary world for making products like oil, butter, and flour. While "Groundnut oil" is a term you might encounter in a British or African cookbook, "Peanut oil" would be listed in an American recipe.
Although Groundnut and Peanut refer to the same thing, regional dialects and context can dictate which term is more appropriate to use. In sum, both terms are interchangeable, but "Groundnut" is more commonly heard outside of the United States, whereas "Peanut" is more American.
Comparison Chart
Usage
British/African English
American English
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Context
More formal, scientific
More casual
Culinary Products
Groundnut oil, Groundnut butter
Peanut oil, Peanut butter
Common in
Europe, Africa
North America
Pronunciation
Two syllables
Two syllables
Compare with Definitions
Groundnut
Groundnut is a leguminous plant with edible seeds.
Groundnut stew is popular in West Africa.
Peanut
Peanut is an edible seed enclosed in a pod.
I love eating boiled Peanuts.
Groundnut
Groundnut refers to the seed of the Arachis hypogaea plant.
The Groundnut is a rich source of protein.
Peanut
Peanut is a common allergen.
Some schools have a Peanut-free policy.
Groundnut
Groundnut is the British term for what Americans call a Peanut.
In England, you might hear someone ask for Groundnut butter.
Peanut
Peanut is the American term for the seed of the Arachis hypogaea plant.
Peanut butter and jelly is a classic American sandwich.
Groundnut
Groundnut is used in the making of various oils and butters.
Groundnut oil is commonly used for frying.
Peanut
The oval seed of a tropical South American plant, often roasted and salted and eaten as a snack or used to make oil or animal feed
A bag of dry-roasted peanuts
Groundnut
Groundnut is a term commonly used in scientific literature.
Arachis hypogaea is the scientific name for the Groundnut.
Peanut
Peanut is a legume, not a true nut.
Despite the name, a Peanut is actually a legume.
Groundnut
Another term for peanut
Peanut
Peanut is used to make various products like oils and flour.
Peanut oil is great for high-heat cooking.
Groundnut
A North American plant of the pea family, which yields a sweet edible tuber.
Peanut
The peanut, also known as the groundnut, goober (US), pindar (US) or monkey nut (UK), and taxonomically classified as Arachis hypogaea, is a legume crop grown mainly for its edible seeds. It is widely grown in the tropics and subtropics, being important to both small and large commercial producers.
Groundnut
A climbing vine (Apios americana) in the pea family, native to eastern North America, having compound leaves, clusters of fragrant brownish flowers, and small edible tubers.
Peanut
The plant of the pea family that bears peanuts, which develop in pods that ripen underground.
Groundnut
Any of several plants having underground tubers or nutlike parts.
Peanut
A very small or inadequate sum of money
He pays peanuts
Groundnut
The tuber or nutlike part of such a plant.
Peanut
Small pieces of styrofoam used as packing material.
Groundnut
Chiefly British and South Atlantic US A peanut.
Peanut
A prostrate southern Brazilian plant (Arachis hypogaea) widely cultivated in tropical and warm temperate regions, having yellow flowers on stalks that bend over so that the seed pods ripen underground.
Groundnut
A climbing vine, Apios americana, of eastern North America, having fragrant brownish flowers and small edible tubers.
Peanut
The edible, nutlike, oily seed of this plant, used for food and as a source of oil. Also called regionally goober, goober pea.
Groundnut
Any similar plant having underground tubers.
Peanut
A peanut-shaped piece of polystyrene, used in cushioning items during shipment.
Groundnut
The nutlike tuber of such a plant, especially peanuts.
Peanut
A small child. Often used as a term of affection.
Groundnut
A plant which bears its nutlike seeds underground, such as a peanut (Arachis hypogaea) or a Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea).
Peanut
A person who is regarded as insignificant.
Groundnut
The fruit of the Arachis hypogæa (native country uncertain); the peanut; the earthnut.
Peanut
Peanuts(Informal) A very small amount of money; a trifling sum.
Groundnut
A North American vine with fragrant blossoms and edible tubers; important food crop of Native Americans
Peanut
A legume resembling a nut, the fruit of the plant Arachis hypogaea.
Groundnut
Nutlike tuber; important food of Native Americans
Peanut
(US) A very small clam.
Groundnut
Pod of the peanut vine containing usually 2 nuts or seeds; `groundnut' and `monkey nut' are British terms
Peanut
See very small amount.
Peanut
(transitive) To pull on somebody's tie as a prank, causing the knot to tighten.
Peanut
The fruit of a trailing leguminous plant (Arachis hypogæa); also, the plant itself, which is widely cultivated for its fruit.
Peanut
Underground pod of the peanut vine
Peanut
Widely cultivated American plant cultivated in tropical and warm regions; showy yellow flowers on stalks that bend over to the soil so that seed pods ripen underground
Peanut
A young child who is small for his age
Peanut
Pod of the peanut vine containing usually 2 nuts or seeds; `groundnut' and `monkey nut' are British terms
Peanut
Of little importance or influence or power; of minor status;
A minor, insignificant bureaucrat
Peanut politicians
Common Curiosities
Where is the term Groundnut commonly used?
The term is commonly used in British English and in Africa.
Is Peanut a legume?
Yes, the Peanut is a legume.
Where is the term Peanut commonly used?
Peanut is more commonly used in American English.
What products are made from Peanuts?
Peanut products include oil, butter, and flour.
Is Groundnut a British term?
Groundnut is more commonly used in British and African English.
Is Peanut the same as Groundnut?
Yes, Peanut and Groundnut refer to the same edible seed.
Can Groundnut be used for cooking oil?
Yes, Groundnut oil is commonly used for frying.
Is Groundnut an allergen?
Yes, Groundnut can be a common allergen.
Can you make butter out of Peanuts?
Yes, you can make Peanut butter.
Is Peanut oil suitable for high-heat cooking?
Yes, Peanut oil is suitable for high-heat cooking methods.
What plant does the Groundnut come from?
The Groundnut comes from the Arachis hypogaea plant.
Is Groundnut a true nut?
No, despite the name, Groundnut is actually a legume.
Is Peanut a formal term?
Peanut is generally considered a casual term.
Are Groundnuts and Peanuts interchangeable terms?
Yes, they are interchangeable but may depend on regional usage.
Can Groundnuts be eaten raw?
Yes, Groundnuts can be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
