kidney bean

noun

1. a common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, cultivated in many varieties for its edible seeds and pods.
2. the mature kidney-shaped seed of this plant.

kidney bean

noun

1. any of certain bean plants having kidney-shaped seeds, esp the French bean and scarlet runner
2. the seed of any of these beans

Word History and Origins

Origin of kidney bean¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

He’s eating kidney beans with whipped cream on top, his new favorite dinner.

From Literature

I shoveled stale-smelling chili onto my plate and poked my fork at the lumpy chunks of beef, kidney beans, and vegetables.

From Literature

Some common foods are even toxic if consumed in large quantities or without appropriate preparation, such as rhubarb leaves, raw cassava, raw kidney beans and raw cashews.

From Salon

Let's start with beans: black beans, lentils, chickpeas, pinto and kidney beans are all excellent sources of healthy protein, low in fat and high in fiber.

From Salon

In fact, Ms. Reese says, it’s the right kidney bean paired with the right chef that makes a bowl of red beans and rice one to remember.

From New York Times