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

Season with salt and pepper and continue cooking, tossing occasionally, until beans are crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. — Taylor Murray, Country Living, "Spiced Grit-Fried Chicken Cutlets," 28 May 2019 What fiber does Dietary fiber is a kind of carb found in plant foods, including whole grains (like oats, barley, and whole wheat pasta), legumes (lentils, beans), nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "How Much Fiber Should I Be Eating to Feel Regular?," 30 May 2019 On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss together chips, chicken, half of Cheddar, and beans. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos," 20 May 2019 Transfer bean packet and corn to cutting board; let cool. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Farmers' Market Pasta," 17 May 2019 According to the World Health Organization, a healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole proteins, legumes, and beans. — Jessica Booth, Redbook, "Everything You Need To Know About Food Deserts," 29 Apr. 2019 Dinner might be vegetable or bean soup or a vegetable stir fry. — Jen Murphy, WSJ, "It’s April in Houston, Must Be Curling Season," 20 Apr. 2019 That catchy song about beans being musical is surprisingly scientifically accurate for some people. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Does Lying Down After Eating Really Cause Gas?," 28 Mar. 2019 Employee health benefits cost Starbucks more annually than coffee beans; General Motors spends more on them than on steel. — Jeffrey Pfeffer, WSJ, "The Hidden Costs of Stressed-Out Workers," 28 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

And so was Cubs manager Joe Maddon: Either go confront the pitcher after getting beaned, or take your base without complaint. — Mark Kiszla, The Denver Post, "Kickin’ It with Kiz: Pat Bowlen Stadium at Mile High has a nice (championship) ring to it, don’t you think?," 15 June 2019 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

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.