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

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 • Nov. 22, 2025

A small fraction of conventional watermelon and green bean samples — 3% and 4%, respectively — tested positive for an especially concerning carbamate or organophosphate pesticide.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

I have this sweet potato, green bean and cashew curry in my book that’s like my go-to.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2024

It found that 31% of U.S. adults don’t care for cranberry sauce while 29% would skip the sweet potatoes and 28% would forgo the green bean casserole.

From Washington Times • Nov. 22, 2023

Dad stabbed at a green bean and let the subject drop.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen