: 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
This story takes us into the dense forests of Panama, where the towering tonka bean tree—Dipteryx oleifera—has evolved to attract lightning strikes and come out stronger after being zapped.
—
Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 4 June 2025
The formula also tackles frizzy hair—always a plus—and the orange and tonka bean scent makes the whole experience feel a little more luxurious.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
Laced with notes of tobacco leaf, plum, cedarwood, and tonka bean, this is the kind of vanilla that’s best for a chic, candlelit dinner, rather than a spin through the cupcake shop.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 27 July 2025
Oud, black pepper, cedar wood, coffee, lavender, vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli
A hat’s off to Paris’ Palais Garnier, Octave Aurum 25 returns to the Krigler roster with more range than ever.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tonka bean
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Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 4 June 2025
The formula also tackles frizzy hair—always a plus—and the orange and tonka bean scent makes the whole experience feel a little more luxurious.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
Laced with notes of tobacco leaf, plum, cedarwood, and tonka bean, this is the kind of vanilla that’s best for a chic, candlelit dinner, rather than a spin through the cupcake shop.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 27 July 2025
Oud, black pepper, cedar wood, coffee, lavender, vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli
A hat’s off to Paris’ Palais Garnier, Octave Aurum 25 returns to the Krigler roster with more range than ever.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tonka bean
Cite this Entry
“Tonka bean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonka%20bean. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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