Definition

Noun: A type of green bean, specifically a variety with an edible pod that is tender, stringless, and breaks crisply and cleanly when bent.

Usage

This term refers to the fresh, whole pod of certain bean cultivars, typically eaten cooked. It is used as a countable noun. * She grew snap beans in her vegetable garden. * For dinner, we had grilled chicken with steamed snap beans. * The recipe calls for a pound of fresh snap beans, trimmed.

Advanced Usage

• The term distinguishes these beans from "shelling beans" (where only the inner seeds are eaten) and older, stringy varieties of green beans.
• It is often used interchangeably with "green beans" in general American English, though "snap bean" more precisely denotes the specific textural quality.

Variants and Related Words

• Green bean: A common synonym, though it can be a broader category.
• String bean: A historical term for similar beans; modern "snap bean" varieties are bred to be stringless.
• Haricot vert: A French term for a thinner, more delicate variety of green bean.

Synonyms

Green bean, string bean (when referring to stringless varieties).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• (As) fresh as a snap bean: An informal simile emphasizing crisp freshness.
  • After a good night's sleep, I felt as fresh as a snap bean.

Noun

1. tender green beans without strings that easily snap into sections