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Definition of black bean

black bean

Plural:black beans
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• noun

1

The small, shiny, dark-colored edible seed of the common bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris), widely used as a culinary vegetable and staple legume in Latin American, Caribbean, and Creole cuisines.

Example

"She simmered the black beans with garlic, onions, and cumin to serve alongside rice."


2

A salted and fermented black soybean used as a savory seasoning and condiment in Chinese cooking.

Example

"The stir-fried beef was tossed in a rich garlic and fermented black bean sauce."


3

Australian A large evergreen tree of the legume family (Castanospermum australe) native to the eastern coast of Australia, bearing glossy pinnate leaves, red and yellow flowers, and large woody pods, valued for its dark, durable timber.

Example

"The cabinetmaker crafted the dining table from polished Australian black bean timber."

Synonyms
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Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Black bean. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/black-bean
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