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Definition of beanbag

beanbag

/ˈbiːn.bæɡ/
bean · bag
Plural:beanbags
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beanbag Lexical Profile

beanbag Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, soft, fabric cushion or chair filled with polystyrene beads or similar material that molds to the shape of the person sitting on it.

Example

"He spent the afternoon reading a book while lounging comfortably in his favorite beanbag."

2

A small cloth receptacle filled with dried beans, plastic pellets, or similar material, traditionally used for throwing games or juggling.

Example

"The children took turns tossing the beanbag through the hole in the wooden board to score points."

3

A type of non-lethal projectile fired from a specialized shotgun, consisting of a small fabric sack filled with lead shot, designed to incapacitate without penetrating the skin.

Example

"Law enforcement officers deployed beanbags to disperse the aggressive crowd without causing lethal injuries."

• Nearby Words

bean
bean sprout
bean sprouts
beanbag
beanburger
beancounter
beancurd

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century from 'bean' and 'bag', originally referring to small sacks used in children's throwing games. The term was later applied in the late 1960s to the large, soft chairs filled with polystyrene beads.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Beanbag. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/beanbag
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