vanilla bean

noun

: the long capsular fruit of a vanilla (especially Vanilla planifolia) that is an important article of commerce

Examples of vanilla bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To make vanilla extract, vanilla beans are infused into alcohol and water, creating an extract with a rich, deep vanilla flavor and subtle floral notes. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025

One highlight is a beer float made with vanilla bean gelato and Evil Twin Brewing’s Fructus Danica Sour. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2025

But for those seeking a subtle twist on tradition, the tonka bean, known scientifically as the seed of the Dipteryx odorata tree, offers an enticing alternative to the classic vanilla bean. —JSTOR Daily, 15 Nov. 2025

Classics like Dutch milk chocolate and Madagascar vanilla bean will appeal to purists, but flavors like creme brulee and bourbon are available for dads with more adventurous tastes. —Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vanilla bean

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene

Kids Definition

vanilla bean

noun

: the long pod of a vanilla orchid

Medical Definition

vanilla bean

noun

: the long capsular fruit of a vanilla (especially Vanilla planifolia) that is an important article of commerce