A2noun1K

Bean

UK /["/biːn/"]/US /["/biːn/"]/

Definition

a seed, or pod containing seeds, of a climbing plant, eaten as a vegetable. There are several types of bean and the plants that they grow on are also called beans.

In simple words: A small, round seed that is eaten as food.

Examples

  • green beans
  • runner beans
  • beans *(= )* on toast
  • a can/tin of beans
  • She grows her own broad beans.
  • cocoa/coffee beans
  • I don’t know beans about making movies.
  • We don't want to spill the beans yet.
  • She made the mistake of spilling the tea on her sister's love life.

Usage notes

Use 'bean' when talking about food, especially legumes. It's common in cooking contexts and can refer to both the plant and its edible seeds.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Picture a green bean plant climbing like a support pole.

Collocations

  • broad
  • butter
  • chilli
  • plant
  • grow
  • drain
  • curd
  • sprout
  • castor
  • cocoa
  • coffee
  • roast
  • grind

Synonyms

  • legume
  • pulse
  • seed
  • crop

Antonyms

  • empty
  • void

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'been' as a verb.
  • Using 'beens' as plural instead of 'beans'.
  • Mixing up types of beans, like navy beans and kidney beans.