green bean

noun

1. the immature green pod of the kidney bean, eaten as a vegetable.

green bean

noun

1. any bean plant, such as the French bean, having narrow green edible pods when unripe

Word History and Origins

Origin of green bean¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

For the jury, Ian recounted watching the parcels go onto four grey plates – and an orange one for Erin – with mashed potatoes, green beans and gravy heaped on the side.

From BBC

Beitchman describe their shape as similar to Chinese green bean plants because they both coil at the very tip.

From Salon

The jury has heard that there is no dispute that the lunch of beef wellington, mashed potatoes and green beans contained death cap mushrooms and caused the guests' illnesses.

From BBC

The fact that the lunch of beef wellington, mash potatoes and green beans contained death cap mushrooms and caused the guests' illnesses is not in contention, the court heard.

From BBC

I’m getting the flavored shrimp, the crispy chicken with the chile peppers, the eggplant, the tomato and egg soup, the Chengdu fried rice and the green beans.

From Los Angeles Times