string bean
- any of various kinds of bean, as the green bean, the unripe pods of which are used as food, usually after stripping off the fibrous thread along the side.
- the pod itself.
- Informal. a tall, thin person.
Origin of string bean
An Americanism dating back to 1750–60
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for string bean
Historical Examples
As a string-bean, it is deservedly considered one of the best.
The Field and Garden Vegetables of AmericaFearing Burr
As a string-bean, the variety may be planted until the first of August.
The Field and Garden Vegetables of AmericaFearing Burr
As a string-bean, it is of fair quality, good when shelled in the green state, and farinaceous and mild flavored when ripe.
The Field and Garden Vegetables of AmericaFearing Burr
As a string-bean, or for pickling, it is considered one of the best of all varieties, and is recommended for general cultivation.
The Field and Garden Vegetables of AmericaFearing Burr
The variety is hardy and prolific; of good quality as a string-bean, or for shelling in the green state.
The Field and Garden Vegetables of AmericaFearing Burr
string bean
- any of several bean plants, such as the scarlet runner, cultivated for their edible unripe podsSee also green bean, wax bean
- informal a tall thin person
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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