kidney bean

noun

Updated on: 7 Apr 2018

Definition of kidney bean

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

See kidney bean defined for English-language learners

See kidney bean defined for kids

Recent Examples of kidney bean from the Web

Like most eye masks, these are shaped like a kidney bean to cover the under-eye area, but the gel-like mesh keeps them from sliding down your cheeks.

— shannon barbour, The Cut, "3 Face Masks That Will Perk Up Dull Skin," 3 Apr. 2018
This not-really-that-hearty minestrone really makes its mark with mushy soft orzo and the occasional kidney bean that floats around like the reason the whole pool had to be drained last summer.

— alex beggs, Bon Appetit, "6 New Trader Joe's Products, Plus Something Called a ‘Blarney Scone,‘ Reviewed," 14 Mar. 2018
Black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans can be used in a variety of other dessert recipes, too.

— jessica leigh mattern, Country Living, "If You Want to Make Your Brownies Healthier, Bake Them with Black Beans," 19 July 2017
Other products like cranberries, kidney beans and peanut butter would be affected, but have a much smaller value.

— thomas biesheuvel, Bloomberg.com, "Europe's Retaliatory Steel Tariffs Take Aim at Tiny Target," 6 Mar. 2018
Mottled red kidney beans boiled until velvety soft and mashed with pungent raw garlic, browned onions and a thrilling-sounding mountain herb called blue fenugreek.

— melissa clark, New York Times, "A Complex Red Bean Stew From Georgia," 16 Feb. 2018
There is a richness to this compilation of black lentils and red kidney beans that comes courtesy of a generous addition of butter and cream.

— lindsey mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Review: This fine Indian spot in Louisville knows its sauce but has room to improve," 20 Dec. 2017
In came the kidney beans and dairy-free imitation cheese.

— lucette lagnado, WSJ, "Is a Vegan Diet Good for Your Heart?," 5 Dec. 2017
The Day Before: Soak kidney beans. Marinate chicken in a large bowl.

— nikita richardson, Bon Appetit, "Jerk Chicken, Rum Punch, and More Awesome Caribbean Grill-Out Recipes," 21 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kidney bean.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of kidney bean

1548

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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KIDNEY BEAN Defined for English Language Learners

kidney bean

noun

Definition of kidney bean for English Language Learners

: a type of large and dark red bean

KIDNEY BEAN Defined for Kids

kidney bean

noun

Definition of kidney bean for Students

: the large usually dark red edible seed of a bean plant

Learn More about kidney bean

See words that rhyme with kidney bean Spanish Central: Translation of kidney bean Nglish: Translation of kidney bean for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kidney bean

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kidney bean

Definition of kidney bean

Recent Examples of kidney bean from the Web

First Known Use of kidney bean

KIDNEY BEAN Defined for English Language Learners

kidney bean

Definition of kidney bean for English Language Learners

KIDNEY BEAN Defined for Kids

kidney bean

Definition of kidney bean for Students

Learn More about kidney bean

Seen and Heard

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kidney bean

Definition of kidney bean

Recent Examples of kidney bean from the Web

First Known Use of kidney bean

KIDNEY BEAN Defined for English Language Learners

kidney bean

Definition of kidney bean for English Language Learners

KIDNEY BEAN Defined for Kids

kidney bean

Definition of kidney bean for Students

Learn More about kidney bean

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