kidney bean

noun

1

: an edible and nutritious usually kidney-shaped seed of any of various cultivated beans of the common species (Phaseolus vulgaris)

especially : a large dark red kidney bean

2

: a plant bearing kidney beans

Examples of kidney bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This classic dish combines kidney beans, rice, cumin, and oregano for a comforting one-bowl meal. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 24 July 2026

Black beans, kidney beans and split peas round out the group. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

For lunch, make three-bean chili with kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn and chili spices. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026

Canned Beans Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and other legumes are great sources of protein and excellent long-term storage foods. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for kidney bean

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene

Kids Definition

kidney bean

noun

: an edible seed and especially a large dark red seed of any of several varieties of cultivated bean plants

also : a plant that produces kidney beans