moth bean

noun

: a legume (Vigna acontifolia synonym Phaseolus aconitifolius) cultivated especially in India for its edible cylindrical pods and small seeds

Word History

Etymology

probably by folk etymology from Marathi maṭh moth bean

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of moth bean was in 1884

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

mothball fleet

moth bean

moth borer

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Moth bean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moth%20bean. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

hobgoblin

Listen to the pronunciation of hobgoblin

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)