betel nut

noun

: the astringent seed of the betel palm

Examples of betel nut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the ancient humans living on Sulawesi didn’t necessarily ingest betel nuts for recreational use. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026

According to Science, this implies that a paste was deliberately applied, rather than the staining being a byproduct of chewing betel nuts for a euphoric high. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026

Even the freedom to bring in snacks and drinks—other than betel nuts, a stimulant—could be rescinded if staff underperformed. — Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 27 Jan. 2026

As each night progressed, ashtrays piled up and bags of betel nuts emptied; every once in a while, Bi’s assistant passed him a glass of milk for nutrition. — Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from its being chewed with betel leaves

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for betel nut

• butternut
• cocoanut
• coconut
• hazelnut
• undercut
• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut

Kids Definition

betel nut

noun

: the seed of an Asian palm

Medical Definition

betel nut

noun

: the astringent seed of the betel palm that is a source of arecoline