navy bean

noun

1. a small, white bean, dried for prolonged storage and prepared for eating by soaking and cooking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of navy bean¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–60; so called from wide use in the U.S. Navy

Example Sentences

Followers also often consume and sell food made from navy beans, including pies, which are promoted as healthy.

From Seattle Times

Wash the navy beans and run hot water through them until they are slightly whitened.

From Washington Times

Chickpeas also lend well to tomatoes, which is why I used them here over the classic dish’s navy beans.

From Seattle Times

The chickpeas could become black beans, navy beans or butternut squash.

From Washington Post

For this recipe, use something with a mild flavor and creamy interior texture, such as cannellini beans, chickpeas, great northern beans or navy beans.

From Salon