soybean

[ soi-been ]

noun
  1. a bushy Old World plant, Glycine max, of the legume family, cultivated globally, with greatest productivity in the United States, where it is grown chiefly for forage and soil improvement.

  2. the seed of this plant, used for food, as a livestock feed, and for a variety of other commercial uses.

Origin of soybean

1
First recorded in 1795–1805; soy + bean
  • Also especially British, soy·a bean [soi-uh-been] /ˈsɔɪ ə ˌbin/ .

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use soybean in a sentence

  • There is a difference of opinion with regard to the canning of soybeans.

    Let's Use Soybeans | Anonymous
  • There are other forms in which soybeans can be utilized as human food.

    Let's Use Soybeans | Anonymous
  • This is frequently the cause of failure in growing alfalfa, soybeans, cowpeas and less well known members of the legume family.

    A Living from the Land | William B. Duryee
  • There are two general types of soybeans, the field type and the edible or vegetable type, which differ greatly in palatability.

    Let's Use Soybeans | Anonymous
  • Soybeans are ready for table use as soon as the pods have completely filled out and while they are still green in color.

    Let's Use Soybeans | Anonymous