Meaning & Definition of word "Bean"

Bean

/biːn/

noun:

  • 1. The edible seed of various plants, especially those of the legume family, typically used as food.
    • Example: I added kidney beans to the chili for extra protein.
  • 2. A seed from a plant that is used to grow the plant, especially those that come from the genus Phaseolus.
    • Example: We planted several types of beans in the garden this spring.
  • 3. A coffee bean, often used as a measure for coffee quantity.
    • Example: I only drink coffee made from freshly ground beans.

verb:

  • 1. To cheat or swindle, often used informally.
    • Example: He tried to bean me out of my fair share of the profits.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'bean', from Proto-Germanic '*bōną'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

spilled the beans:

To reveal a secret or disclose information.

full of beans:

Lively and energetic.

not worth a hill of beans:

Something that is not valuable or insignificant.

Related Words

legume:

A plant in the family Fabaceae, or its edible seeds.

coffee:

A beverage made from roasted coffee beans.

Slang Meanings of bean

Meaning: A term for a dollar or money.

Example Sentence: I don't have a bean left after shopping.

Meaning: To shoot someone, often used in urban slang.

Example Sentence: He got beaned in the street fight.