bean
noun, verb
UK/biːn/US/biːn/
As a noun, it refers to the edible seed or pod of certain plants in the legume family; it can also informally mean a small amount (e.g., 'not worth a bean'). As a verb (slang), it means to hit someone, usually on the head, with a thrown object.
Example Sentences
She soaked the dried beans overnight before adding them to the stew.
The garden was filled with rows of green bean plants thriving under the summer sun.
He threatened to bean his brother with a rolled-up newspaper, but quickly realized it was not a good idea.
A fresh pot of coffee made from roasted coffee beans filled the room with a rich, inviting aroma.
They enjoyed a hearty chili packed with kidney beans, peppers, and a medley of aromatic spices.
In some cultures, beans are a staple food high in protein, making them a key ingredient in many traditional dishes.
After hours of hiking, they cooked a simple meal of beans and rice over a small camp stove, grateful for the comforting warmth and nourishment it provided despite its simplicity.
Although he joked about using a beanbag to bean his opponent during the tournament, the lighthearted comment underscored the playful spirit of the friendly competition.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A legume seed or pod often consumed as a nutritious food source.“Bean” usually refers to the seeds or pods of legume plants—such as black beans, kidney beans, or green beans—often prized for their protein, fiber, and versatility in cooking. Many world cuisines include beans in soups, stews, salads, or side dishes. You could say, “I made a pot of beans for dinner,” or “I love adding black beans to my tacos.” Beyond edible usage, some bean pods—like fava beans—are also cultivated for their seeds, which can be dried, stored, and cooked later. In casual slang, “bean” can mean a small amount of something (“That’s not worth a bean”) or be used affectionately for a person (“You little bean!”). There’s also “bean counter,” a playful or sometimes dismissive term for accountants or financial experts. Additionally, “bean” shows up in phrases like “full of beans,” meaning energetic, or “spill the beans,” meaning to reveal a secret. In day-to-day conversation, specify the type of bean if relevant—“pinto beans,” “soybeans,” “coffee beans,” and so on—since each variety has its own taste, texture, and common culinary uses. Whether you’re talking about a hearty chili recipe or an amusing idiom, “bean” signals either a beloved staple food or a quirky figure of speech, all hinging on context.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid repeating “bean” or need more specificity, alternatives and related terms vary by context. For food contexts, say “legumes” for the broader plant family that includes peas, lentils, and chickpeas. If you mean a specific variety, you might use “black-eyed peas,” “lima beans,” “garbanzo beans,” or “chickpeas,” among other options. For casual references to counting or small items, you might opt for “peas,” “bits,” or “small potatoes” in idiomatic contexts, though each carries a different flavor or nuance. If you’re describing the shape, “seed” or “pod” might help, while “pulse” is a more formal term referring to dried legumes. When using idioms like “spill the beans,” synonyms could include “reveal the secret” or “give it away.” Ultimately, your best alternative depends on whether you aim for culinary precision, playful slang, or a literal description of small seeds or pods.
Writing
When writing about beans, decide whether you’re focusing on their culinary, cultural, or linguistic aspects. If you’re detailing cooking methods, highlight how different beans require varied soaking or cooking times—pinto and black beans often need lengthy simmering, while lentils cook faster. Mention nutritional content—beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. If you’re exploring cultural dishes, you might note how black beans feature prominently in Latin American cuisine, or how soybeans dominate East Asian cooking. Descriptive words—like “creamy,” “earthy,” or “tender”—help readers visualize and almost taste the beans. If your piece is more metaphorical or playful, consider referencing idioms or metaphors—“He spilled the beans about the surprise party.” Or if you’re discussing economic or literary themes, you could mention the fairy-tale significance of magic beans (“Jack and the Beanstalk”) or the phrase “not worth a hill of beans.” Balancing factual detail with storytelling or cultural context ensures readers appreciate beans both as a staple food and as a concept woven into language and folklore. Research-based pieces can touch on how beans benefit soil through nitrogen fixation or how different heirloom varieties preserve agricultural diversity. By pairing practical insights with sensory or cultural framing, your writing on beans can be both informative and engaging.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, talking about beans usually revolves around cooking or casual idioms. You might say, “I’m making a pot of chili—should I use black beans or pinto beans?” or “Ugh, I have no energy—I feel like I haven’t got a bean left in me!” Family or friends might mention, “Don’t forget to soak the beans overnight,” or “We need to pick up some garbanzo beans for that hummus recipe.” If someone is particularly energetic, you could say, “She’s just full of beans today!” meaning she’s lively or spirited. For jokes, you might hear, “He’s a real bean counter,” poking fun at someone who’s overly focused on details, especially financial ones. Or if something trivial is revealed, “Well, guess the beans have been spilled now.” These idioms and casual uses highlight how beans figure in daily life, not just as a pantry staple but also as part of quick witty remarks. The word can swiftly shift from literal food item to playful expression—so friends often clarify context by referencing recipes, mealtime, or the comedic effect of an idiom. Whether you’re discussing a lunch plan (“Let’s do refried beans on our tacos”) or telling someone to keep a secret (“Don’t spill the beans!”), “bean” is recognizable, down-to-earth, and packed with easygoing charm in everyday chats.
Etymology
“Bean” stems from Old English “bēan,” which referred broadly to the edible seeds of various plants. Over centuries, as the English language evolved and global trade expanded, the term encompassed numerous legumes, including species from the New World. The significance of beans in agriculture and cuisine dates back millennia—ancient civilizations cultivated beans as a nutritious, easily stored protein source. In many folk traditions, beans served ritual or symbolic roles (as in the “king cake” tradition where finding a bean can signify good fortune) and featured in countless cultural proverbs. The word “bean” also found its way into English idioms, reflecting the seed’s small size or its function as a basic necessity. Phrases like “not worth a bean” or “full of beans” show how everyday foods can influence language, bridging literal nourishment and figurative expression. Modern usage extends to coffee beans, cocoa beans, and the entire legume family, each with distinctive taste, texture, and cultural importance. Despite new varieties appearing in global markets, the humble bean remains a timeless dietary staple, carrying linguistic and culinary legacies from ancient fields to contemporary kitchens.
