bean

noun

\ ˈbēn

Definition of bean

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : fava bean

b : the seed of any of various erect or climbing plants (as of the genera Phaseolus and Vigna) of the legume family other than the fava bean

c : a plant bearing beans

d : an immature bean pod used as a vegetable

2a : a valueless item

b beans plural : the least amount didn't know beans about it

3 : any of various seeds or fruits that resemble beans or bean pods coffee beans also : a plant producing these

4a beans plural : exuberance —used in the phrase full of beans

b beans plural : nonsense, bunkum —used in the phrase full of beans

5 : head, brain

6 : a protuberance on the upper mandible of waterfowl — see duck illustration

bean

verb

beaned; beaning; beans

Definition of bean (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to strike (a person) on the head with an object

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about bean

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Synonyms for bean

Synonyms: Noun

block [slang], dome, head, mazard (or mazzard) [chiefly dialect], nob, noddle, noggin, noodle, nut [slang], pate, poll

Examples of bean in a Sentence

Noun

We ate rice and beans for dinner. We're growing tomatoes and beans in our garden this year.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In some versions, the cooked rice and stewed beans are combined before serving. — David Tanis, The Seattle Times, "A humble feast begins with lentils," 7 Jan. 2019 At the entrance of villages along the route, churches put out tables where volunteers hand out everything from bottles and plastic bags full of water, to baby food and lunches of tacos, rice and beans. — José De Córdoba And Juan Montes, WSJ, "On the Caravan Trail, Grueling Conditions Take Toll on Migrants," 26 Oct. 2018 Seven areas of research, including rice and beans, provided no return last year. — The Economist, "Tough times for Embrapa, a jewel of Brazilian innovation," 28 June 2018 The regular lunch on a recent day consisted of a large serving of rice and beans; carne asada; cooked squash and corn; a salad of lettuce, carrots and jicama; tortillas; and optional flan for dessert. — James Wagner, New York Times, "A Nightmare for Mexico’s Soccer Opponents: More Chuckys On the Way," 27 June 2018 Whether served with the namesake jollof rice or waakye (Ghana’s take on rice and beans) the chicken stew is a deep and ruddy concoction thick with tomato and spice, and the goat stew is similarly rich and complex. — Dominic Armato, azcentral, "Eat Here First in June: 3 new restaurants to try before everybody else does," 25 June 2018 Less than a week later, Niyonsaba celebrated by showing up at the Prince Regent Charles hospital in Bujumbura, Burundi bearing gifts of rice, beans, sugar and soap for desperately poor patients. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "Malaria couldn't stop Francine Niyonsaba, who takes on Caster Semenya in the Prefontaine Classic 800," 24 May 2018 All of the neighborhood moms loved Lamour, and Medor said her mother prepared griot, a Haitian dish with pork shoulders, friend plantains, rice and beans. — Michael Williams, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Woman who drowned in Orange County pond 'lost herself trying to help others,' friend says," 24 May 2018 Grains and lentils and rice and beans, everything’s in the pantry already. — Abby Stern, PEOPLE.com, "How a Recent Doctor's Visit Inspired Ellen Pompeo to Put Her Husband and Kids on a Vegan Diet," 25 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Against the New York Giants, Orioles shortstop Hughie Jennings is beaned by Amos Rusie, the hardest-throwing pitcher in the National League. — Mike Klingaman, baltimoresun.com, "The Sun Remembers: This Week in Maryland Sports History for June 24-30," 24 June 2018 Hitters Konstanty beaned, Giants manager Leo Durocher once joked, didn’t even get headaches. — Frank Fitzpatrick, Philly.com, "The undertaker who brought Jim Konstanty to life | Frank's Place," 23 June 2018 Both sides had been warned by plate umpire Andy Fletcher the previous inning after Giants rookie starter Dereck Rodriguez beaned Lewis Brinson as tempers flared for a second straight game. — Janie Mccauley, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Straily, Mattingly both ejected in Marlins' loss to Giants," 20 June 2018 That, unfortunately, could go on hold after Baez left Sunday’s game after a Jack Flaherty fastball beaned him square on the elbow. — Si.com Staff, SI.com, "Nine Innings: Jason Heyward's Turning Point, Expansion Possibilities and Bryce Harper's Struggles," 18 June 2018 Apparently, getting beaned by two cans of Bush's sweet 'n' savories didn't calm him down. — Howard Cohen, miamiherald, "'Stop! Or I'll hurl these baked beans at you!' And that's what this Florida deputy did," 5 June 2018 Knights pitchers beaned four batters total — with Jourdyn Campbell being the victim three times. — Jason Mcdaniel, Houston Chronicle, "Maddie Lindsey anchors Kingwood's win over Clear Falls," 11 May 2018 Bryant had missed the last four games after being beaned in Colorado last Sunday. — Paul Sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Kris Bryant returns to Cubs lineup against Brewers," 28 Apr. 2018 The third baseman was beaned by Colorado German Marquez on Sunday and has missed the last four games . . . — BostonGlobe.com, "Mass. basketball director Thomas Gassnola pleads guilty," 28 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bean.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.