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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

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

Alongside the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, there’s one classic dish that has, for many, become synonymous with Thanksgiving — the green bean casserole.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2023

“Thank you, A. Now come on, Miss Walters, eat up a little green bean for me.”

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett