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
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definitions
Groundnut
Groundnut is a leguminous plant with edible seeds.
Groundnut stew is popular in West Africa.
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Sep 11, 2023
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Peanut
Peanut is an edible seed enclosed in a pod.
I love eating boiled Peanuts.
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Sep 11, 2023
Groundnut
Groundnut refers to the seed of the Arachis hypogaea plant.
The Groundnut is a rich source of protein.
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Sep 11, 2023
Groundnut
Groundnut is the British term for what Americans call a Peanut.
In England, you might hear someone ask for Groundnut butter.
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Sep 11, 2023
Peanut
Peanut is the American term for the seed of the Arachis hypogaea plant.
Peanut butter and jelly is a classic American sandwich.
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Sep 11, 2023
Groundnut
Groundnut is used in the making of various oils and butters.
Groundnut oil is commonly used for frying.
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Sep 11, 2023
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
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Nov 16, 2019
Groundnut
Groundnut is a term commonly used in scientific literature.
Arachis hypogaea is the scientific name for the Groundnut.
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Sep 11, 2023
Peanut
Peanut is a legume, not a true nut.
Despite the name, a Peanut is actually a legume.
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Sep 11, 2023
Peanut
Peanut is used to make various products like oils and flour.
Peanut oil is great for high-heat cooking.
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Sep 11, 2023
Groundnut
A North American plant of the pea family, which yields a sweet edible tuber.
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Nov 16, 2019
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.
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Nov 16, 2019
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.
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Nov 16, 2019
Peanut
The plant of the pea family that bears peanuts, which develop in pods that ripen underground.
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Nov 16, 2019
Groundnut
Any of several plants having underground tubers or nutlike parts.
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Nov 16, 2019
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.
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Nov 16, 2019
Groundnut
A climbing vine, Apios americana, of eastern North America, having fragrant brownish flowers and small edible tubers.
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Nov 16, 2019
Peanut
The edible, nutlike, oily seed of this plant, used for food and as a source of oil. Also called regionally goober, goober pea.
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Peanut
A peanut-shaped piece of polystyrene, used in cushioning items during shipment.
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Groundnut
A plant which bears its nutlike seeds underground, such as a peanut (Arachis hypogaea) or a Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea).
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Groundnut
The fruit of the Arachis hypogæa (native country uncertain); the peanut; the earthnut.
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Groundnut
A North American vine with fragrant blossoms and edible tubers; important food crop of Native Americans
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Nov 16, 2019
Groundnut
Pod of the peanut vine containing usually 2 nuts or seeds; `groundnut' and `monkey nut' are British terms
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Nov 16, 2019
Peanut
(transitive) To pull on somebody's tie as a prank, causing the knot to tighten.
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Nov 16, 2019
Peanut
The fruit of a trailing leguminous plant (Arachis hypogæa); also, the plant itself, which is widely cultivated for its fruit.
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Nov 16, 2019
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
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Nov 16, 2019
Peanut
Pod of the peanut vine containing usually 2 nuts or seeds; `groundnut' and `monkey nut' are British terms
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Nov 16, 2019
Peanut
Of little importance or influence or power; of minor status;
A minor, insignificant bureaucrat
Peanut politicians
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Nov 16, 2019
FAQs
Where is the term Groundnut commonly used?
The term is commonly used in British English and in Africa.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Where is the term Peanut commonly used?
Peanut is more commonly used in American English.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
What products are made from Peanuts?
Peanut products include oil, butter, and flour.
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Sep 11, 2023
Is Groundnut a British term?
Groundnut is more commonly used in British and African English.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Is Peanut the same as Groundnut?
Yes, Peanut and Groundnut refer to the same edible seed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Can Groundnut be used for cooking oil?
Yes, Groundnut oil is commonly used for frying.
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Sep 11, 2023
Is Peanut oil suitable for high-heat cooking?
Yes, Peanut oil is suitable for high-heat cooking methods.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
What plant does the Groundnut come from?
The Groundnut comes from the Arachis hypogaea plant.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Is Groundnut a true nut?
No, despite the name, Groundnut is actually a legume.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Are Groundnuts and Peanuts interchangeable terms?
Yes, they are interchangeable but may depend on regional usage.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Can Groundnuts be eaten raw?
Yes, Groundnuts can be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Author Spotlight
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 editor 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.
