Definition

1. Noun:

   • A seed of certain leguminous plants: A bean is the edible seed, typically kidney-shaped or oval, from various plants of the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae), used as food. Examples include kidney beans, coffee beans, and cocoa beans.
   • The plant producing such seeds: A bean can also refer to the leguminous plant itself that bears these seeds or pods.
   • Informal term for the human head: In slang, "bean" is used to refer to a person's head.
   • A small amount or a thing of little value: Used in phrases to denote something of minimal worth.

2. Verb:

   • To hit on the head: To strike someone, especially on the head, often with a thrown object like a baseball.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Seed/Plant):
  • She added a can of black beans to the chili.
  • Coffee beans are roasted before brewing.
• Noun (Informal: Head):
  • The ball hit him right on the bean.
• Noun (In phrases denoting little value):
  • His opinion isn't worth a bean to me.
• Verb:
  • The pitcher beaned the batter with a fastball.

Advanced Usage

• "to be full of beans": To be energetic, lively, or in high spirits.
  • The kids were full of beans after the party.
• "to spill the beans": To reveal a secret, often unintentionally.
  • He spilled the beans about the surprise party.
• "not to have a bean": To have no money at all.
  • I can't afford it; I don't have a bean.

Variants and Related Words

• Beanpole (n): A tall, thin person.
• Beanbag (n): A small bag filled with dried beans or similar material, used as a toy or for seating.
• Beanie (n): A small, close-fitting hat.
• Jellybean (n): A small bean-shaped sugar candy.

Synonyms

• Legume: (for the plant/seed) A plant of the pea family, or its edible seed.
• Noggin: (informal for head) A person's head.
• Pate: (informal for head) The top of a person's head.

Related Phrases

• "Not know beans (about something)": To know nothing about a particular subject.
  • He doesn't know beans about fixing cars.
• "A hill of beans": Something of little importance or value.
  • Their argument doesn't amount to a hill of beans.
• "Old bean": (Old-fashioned, chiefly British slang) A friendly term of address for a man.
  • Cheer up, old bean!

Idioms

• "Every bean has its black": (Proverb) No one is perfect; everyone has faults. (Equivalent to "everyone has their flaws").
• "To give someone beans": (Informal) To scold or punish someone severely.
  • His boss gave him beans for being late.

Noun

1. informal terms for a human head
2. any of various leguminous plants grown for their edible seeds and pods
3. any of various seeds or fruits that are beans or resemble beans
4. any of various edible seeds of plants of the family Leguminosae used for food

Verb

1. hit on the head, especially with a pitched baseball