betel

noun

be·​tel ˈbē-tᵊl 

: a climbing pepper (Piper betle) of southeastern Asia whose leaves are chewed together with betel nut and mineral lime as a stimulant masticatory

Examples of betel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chewing the drug produces a euphoric effect because of a psychoactive ingredient called arecoline, and millions of people are still betel users today. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

There are millions of betel users today, with some estimates putting the global total at 1-in-10 people. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026

As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026

The latter is actually areca nut enclosed in a betel leaf and taken with slaked lime, a white chemical compound found in plaster. — Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese bétele, from Tamil veṟṟilai

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing betel

• betel nut
• betel palm

Rhymes for betel

• cetyl
• kettle
• metal
• mettle
• nettle
• petal
• setal
• settle
• acetyl
• bimetal
• gunmetal
• nonmetal

Kids Definition

betel

noun

be·​tel ˈbēt-ᵊl 

: a climbing pepper of southeastern Asia whose dried leaves are chewed together with betel nut and lime to increase the activity of the nervous system

Medical Definition

betel

noun

be·​tel ˈbēt-ᵊl 

: a climbing pepper (Piper betle) of southeastern Asia whose leaves are chewed together with betel nut and mineral lime as a stimulant masticatory