betel nut

noun

: the astringent seed of the betel palm

Examples of betel nut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers have found evidence that ancient humans chewed on betel nuts, a stimulant still widely used today. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

Human nature Outside researchers say the paper makes a compelling case for ancient betel nut use. — Pien Huang, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026

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

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