kidney bean

noun

1
: an edible and nutritious usually kidney-shaped seed of any of various cultivated beans of the common species (Phaseolus vulgaris)
especially : a large dark red kidney bean
2
: a plant bearing kidney beans

Examples of kidney bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our classic chili recipe with beef and kidney beans is good, but for even more protein and unexpected and tempting island flavor, try this Caribbean twist made with both ground beef and pork. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025 Red kidney beans can swap out for pinto beans or black beans. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 In fact, a can of chili beans is often made with kidney beans or pinto beans. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025 Kill City Chili Curry powder is the stealth ingredient in this beef and kidney bean chili from ’90s cult teen magazine Sassy, of all places. — Saveur Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kidney bean

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kidney bean was in 1548

Rhymes for kidney bean

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Browse Nearby Words

kidney
kidney bean
kidney chop
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Cite this Entry

“Kidney bean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kidney%20bean. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

kidney bean

noun
: an edible seed and especially a large dark red seed of any of several varieties of cultivated bean plants
also : a plant that produces kidney beans

More from Merriam-Webster on kidney bean

Nglish: Translation of kidney bean for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kidney bean

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