jumping bean

noun

1. the seed of any of certain Mexican plants of the genera Sebastiania and Sapium, of the spurge family: the movements of a moth larva inside the seed cause it to move about or jump.

jumping bean

noun

1. a seed of any of several Mexican euphorbiaceous plants, esp species of Sebastiania, that contains a moth caterpillar whose movements cause it to jerk about

Word History and Origins

Origin of jumping bean¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Ms. Manzanales makes fun of sombreros and jumping beans, yet recognizes their beauty.

From New York Times

“Threats and temper tantrums are no way to negotiate foreign policy,” she said, mad as a Mexican jumping bean on a hot sidewalk.

From Washington Times

Watching Senate Democrats high-stepping and hopping around like a bunch of Mexican jumping beans in a hot skillet this week sure has been hilarious — if not entirely illuminating.

From Washington Times

It wasn’t trickery, but an odd twist in the natural world that creates the novelty of “Mexican jumping beans.”

From Salon

Perhaps most unexpected will be a look at how the artist worked closely with others, as he did with the painter Philip Pearlstein on an unfinished children’s book about a Mexican jumping bean.

From New York Times