bean
the edible nutritious seed of various plants of the legume family, especially of the genus Phaseolus.
a plant producing such seeds.
the pod of such a plant, especially when immature and eaten as a vegetable.
any of various other beanlike seeds or plants, as the coffee bean.
Slang.
a person's head.
a coin or a bank note considered as a coin: I can't pay for the ticket, I don't have a bean in my jeans.
British Informal. a minimum amount of money: They've been disinherited and now haven't a bean.
beans, Informal. the slightest amount: He doesn't know beans about navigation.
Slang. to hit on the head, especially with a baseball.
beans, (used to express disbelief, annoyance, etc.).
Idioms about bean
full of beans, Informal.
energetic; vigorously active; vital: He is still full of beans at 95.
stupid; erroneous; misinformed.
spill the beans, Informal. to disclose a secret, either accidentally or imprudently, thereby ruining a surprise or plan: He spilled the beans, and she knew all about the party in advance.
Origin of bean
1Other words from bean
- beanlike, adjective
Words that may be confused with bean
Other definitions for Bean (2 of 2)
Alan L(aVern), 1932–2018, U.S. astronaut.
Roy "Judge", 1825?–1903, U.S. frontiersman and justice of the peace: called himself “the law west of the Pecos.”
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use bean in a sentence
While the beans are cooling and drying, melt the butter in a saute pan over medium heat.
Make Carla Hall’s Crispy Shallot Green Bean Casserole | Carla Hall | December 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAllow beans to cool completely then remove to a paper towel-lined plate to dry.
Make Carla Hall’s Crispy Shallot Green Bean Casserole | Carla Hall | December 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTCombine the beans and onion sauce in a 9x9-inch casserole dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Make Carla Hall’s Crispy Shallot Green Bean Casserole | Carla Hall | December 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTCover crust with parchment paper and pour in baking beans or weights.
These villages used to harvest rubber, cacao, palm oil, and coffee beans.
When a convenient number of coffee-beans is used (any multiple of 100), the percentage calculation is extremely easy.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddBeans and bacon, cabbage and brown hard dumplings, formed the bill of fare, which the men washed down with plenty of table beer.
The World Before Them | Susanna MoodieVegetable caseine is best obtained by treating peas or beans with hot water, and straining the fluid.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry | Thomas AndersonIt has been obtained for chemical examination, principally from peas and beans, and from the almond and oats.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry | Thomas AndersonIt consisted of farinha, kidney-beans, and dried beef, a fixed measure of each to every person.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil | Maria Graham
British Dictionary definitions for bean
/ (biːn) /
any of various leguminous plants of the widely cultivated genus Phaseolus producing edible seeds in pods: See French bean, lima bean, scarlet runner, string bean
any of several other leguminous plants that bear edible pods or seeds, such as the broad bean and soya bean
any of various other plants whose seeds are produced in pods or podlike fruits
the seed or pod of any of these plants
any of various beanlike seeds, such as coffee
US and Canadian slang another word for head
cool beans slang excellent; impressive
not have a bean slang to be without money: I haven't got a bean
full of beans informal
full of energy and vitality
US mistaken; erroneous
spill the beans informal to disclose something confidential
mainly US and Canadian slang (tr) to hit (a person) on the head
Origin of bean
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with bean
see full of beans; not have a bean; not know beans; not worth a dime (bean); spill the beans; tough break (beans).
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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