tonka bean

noun

ton·​ka bean ˈtäŋ-kə- 

: the coumarin-containing seed of any of several tropical American leguminous trees (genus Dipteryx, especially D. odorata) that is used in perfumes and as an artificial vanilla flavoring

also : a tree bearing tonka beans

Examples of tonka bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The scent feels warm, inviting, and delectable, opening with cognac before transitioning into notes of cinnamon, tonka bean, praline, and vanilla. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025

Black combines vetiver, cedarwood, tonka bean and vanilla. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025

The jasmine and tonka bean add this slightly floral depth that plays really well with Afterglow’s sandalwood base. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Dec. 2025

Celebrated for its complex aroma, the tonka bean is often described as a sweet blend of cinnamon, clove, almond, vanilla, and caramel, sometimes with hints of cherry or freshly cut hay. —JSTOR Daily, 15 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Dutch tonka(-boon) & Portuguese (fava-)tonca, perhaps of Cariban origin

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tonka bean

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

Medical Definition

tonka bean

noun

ton·​ka bean ˈtäŋ-kə- 

: the seed of any of several leguminous trees of the genus Dipteryx that contains coumarin and is used in perfumes and as a flavoring

also : a tree bearing tonka beans