kidney bean

American  

noun

1. a common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, cultivated in many varieties for its edible seeds and pods.

2. the mature kidney-shaped seed of this plant.

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kidney bean British  

noun

1. any of certain bean plants having kidney-shaped seeds, esp the French bean and scarlet runner

2. the seed of any of these beans

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Etymology

Origin of kidney bean

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

Some common foods are even toxic if consumed in large quantities or without appropriate preparation, such as rhubarb leaves, raw cassava, raw kidney beans and raw cashews.

From Salon

Let's start with beans: black beans, lentils, chickpeas, pinto and kidney beans are all excellent sources of healthy protein, low in fat and high in fiber.

From Salon

In fact, Ms. Reese says, it’s the right kidney bean paired with the right chef that makes a bowl of red beans and rice one to remember.

From New York Times

Examples are black beans, red kidney beans and pinto beans – they look different but they are the same species.

From Salon

Gently fold in the rice, lime and kidney beans, allowing the greens to fall among the grains.

From Washington Post