lima bean

noun

li·​ma bean ˈlī-mə- 

1

: a bushy or vining tropical American bean (Phaseolus lunatus synonym Phaseolus limensis) that is widely cultivated for its flat edible starchy seed which is usually pale green when immature and whitish or beige when mature

2

: the seed of a lima bean eaten usually cooked as a vegetable see butter bean, sieva bean

Examples of lima bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The minerals are widely found in foods, including spinach, lima beans, brown rice, and avocado. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 11 Apr. 2025

For comparison, other foods high in fiber include lima beans (9.2 grams per serving), black beans (7.5 grams), Brussels sprouts (6.4 grams), popcorn (5.8 grams) and pears (5.5 grams). —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025

Edamame can be exchanged for green peas or frozen lima beans. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025

If using frozen beans, cook lima beans according to package directions. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Lima, Peru

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lima bean

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

Kids Definition

lima bean

noun

li·​ma bean ˌlī-mə- 

: a tropical American bean plant widely grown for its flat edible usually pale green or whitish seeds

also : the seed of a lima bean