pansy

1 of 2

noun

pan·​sy ˈpan-zē How to pronounce pansy (audio)
plural pansies
1
: a garden plant (Viola wittrockiana) derived chiefly from the hybridization of the European Johnny-jump-up (Viola tricolor) with other wild violets
also : its flower
2
a
offensive : a weak or effeminate man or boy
—used as a term of abuse and disparagement
b
offensive : a gay man
—used as a term of abuse and disparagement

pansy

2 of 2

adjective

offensive
: effeminate sense 1
also : gay
—used as a term of abuse and disparagement

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pancy, pensee, from Middle French pensée, from pensée thought, from feminine of pensé, past participle of penser to think, from Latin pensare to ponder — more at pensive

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pansy was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing pansy

Dictionary Entries Near pansy

pan supari

pansy

pansy orchid

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Pansy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pansy. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

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Kids Definition

pansy

noun
pan·​sy
ˈpan-zē
plural pansies
: a garden plant that is related to the violets and has large velvety flowers with five petals usually in shades of yellow, purple, or brownish red
also : its flower

More from Merriam-Webster on pansy

Nglish: Translation of pansy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pansy

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