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

Helpful swaps Swap the black or pinto beans for chickpeas or kidney beans for a firmer bite. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026

Animal research suggests kidney beans can favorably shift gut bacteria and reduce inflammatory markers associated with a high-fat diet, Cassetty noted. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

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

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