beet

noun

: a biennial garden plant (Beta vulgaris) of the amaranth family that includes several cultivars (such as Swiss chard and sugar beet) and that has thick edible leaves with long petioles and often swollen purplish-red roots
also : its root used especially as a vegetable, as a source of sugar, or for forage

Examples of beet in a Sentence

I've planted carrots, parsnips, and beets in the garden.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Curries, chili, beet dishes, and foods with turmeric or paprika can stain containers and leave behind odors even after thorough washing. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026 Arugula, beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, fennel, kale, pumpkin, radish, rutabaga, squash, Swiss chard, tomato, turnips, and watermelon can be stored for up to four years. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 Starchy vegetables, such as beets, that are also high in fiber can help slow blood sugar spikes. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026 But for all you who aren’t a fan of olives, other options include seasonal veggies, salad, giant beans or a marinated beet salad. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bete, from Old English bēte, from Latin beta

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beet was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beet. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

beet

noun
: a garden plant with thick long-stalked edible leaves and usually an enlarged purplish red root used as a vegetable, as a source of sugar, or as food for livestock
also : this root

More from Merriam-Webster on beet

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