pinto bean

noun

1. a variety of the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, having mottled or spotted seeds: grown chiefly in the southern U.S.

pinto bean

noun

1. a variety of kidney bean that has mottled seeds and is grown for food and fodder in the southwestern US

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinto bean¹

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

Steven Ness, who grows pinto beans and pumpkins in central New Mexico, said the rising cost of irrigation as groundwater dwindles is an issue across the board for farmers in the region.

From Washington Times

Richard monitored the pinto beans with a timer he assiduously reset every time it went off.

From Los Angeles Times

The full menu features chips with either salsa or queso, wings or fried Brussels sprouts, four enchiladas, rice and pinto beans — available at dinner only.

From Seattle Times

On this day, they helped fill boxes with grapes, walnuts, pinto beans, tomato sauce, potatoes, jelly and rice cakes, provided by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon