Definition of bean
1a : fava beanb : 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 beanc : a plant bearing beansd : an immature bean pod used as a vegetable
2a : a valueless itemb 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 beansb beans plural : nonsense, bunkum —used in the phrase full of beans
6 : a protuberance on the upper mandible of waterfowl — see duck illustration
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Examples of bean in a Sentence
We ate rice and beans for dinner.
We're growing tomatoes and beans in our garden this year.
Origin and Etymology of bean
Middle English bene, from Old English bēan; akin to Old High German bōna bean
First Known Use: before 12th century
bean
Definition of bean
transitive verb
: to strike (a person) on the head with an object
Origin and Etymology of bean
verbal derivative of 1bean in sense “head”
First Known Use: 1909
BEAN Defined for English Language Learners
bean
Definition of bean for English Language Learners
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: to hit (someone) on the head with something
BEAN Defined for Kids
bean
playDefinition of bean for Students
1 : the edible seed or pod of a bushy or climbing garden plant related to the peas and clovers
2 : a seed or fruit like a bean coffee beans
Learn More about bean
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See words that rhyme with bean Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bean Spanish Central: Translation of bean Nglish: Translation of bean for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bean for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bean
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