green bean

American  

noun

1. the immature green pod of the kidney bean, eaten as a vegetable.

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green bean British  

noun

1. any bean plant, such as the French bean, having narrow green edible pods when unripe

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Etymology

Origin of green bean

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

Rosario, the foreman’s wife, had woken up at 4:30 a.m., as she always does, to make the couple a lunch of homemade tortillas, green beans and refried beans.

From Los Angeles Times

If this is the last dish you’re trying to make and you’re too tired to even lift your fork, the easiest thing you can make is boiled green beans with butter and lemon.

From Salon

“They got filet mignon. They got mashed potatoes, green beans and chocolate cake for dessert,” Bubb said.

From Los Angeles Times

Aldi’s box, at $40 for 10 people, also includes the makings for green bean casserole and a pumpkin pie with whipped topping.

From The Wall Street Journal

His elegant “H”-line of 1954, for instance, was a nod to the humble haricot vert, or green bean.

From The Wall Street Journal