broad bean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “broad bean” mean?
A large, flat, edible green bean from the plant Vicia faba, typically eaten cooked.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, flat, edible green bean from the plant Vicia faba, typically eaten cooked.
The seed or the entire pod of the broad bean plant; also, the plant itself which is cultivated as a vegetable and cover crop.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Broad bean' is the standard British term. In American English, 'fava bean' (from Italian) is more common, though 'broad bean' is understood.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes traditional gardening and allotments. 'Fava bean' in American English can sound more culinary or exotic.
Frequency
High frequency in UK, medium-low in US where 'fava bean' is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “broad bean” in a Sentence
sow [broad beans]pod/shell [broad beans]cook [broad beans] with [ingredient][broad beans] grow in [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broad bean” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to broad-bean that patch by Friday. (Rare, hypothetical gardening slang meaning 'to plant with broad beans')
adjective
British English
- He prefers a broad-bean hummus to the chickpea kind. (Compound adjective)
American English
- The fava-bean dip was a hit. (Equivalent compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in import/export or agricultural commodity reports.
Academic
Used in botany, agriculture, and culinary science contexts.
Everyday
Common in cooking, gardening, and shopping contexts in the UK.
Technical
Used in horticulture and agronomy for the species Vicia faba.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broad bean”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broad bean”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broad bean”
- Confusing 'broad bean' with 'butter bean' or 'lima bean' (different species).
- Using plural verb for the plant ('The broad beans are growing' vs. 'The broad bean plant is growing').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are the same species (Vicia faba). 'Broad bean' is the common term in British English, while 'fava bean' (from Italian) is more common in American English.
Mature beans often have a tough outer skin that is better removed after cooking for a smoother texture. Young, small beans can be eaten skin-on.
It is not advisable for most people. Some individuals with a specific genetic condition (G6PD deficiency) can have a severe reaction to raw or undercooked broad beans (favism). They are always cooked for safety and better flavour.
The plural is 'broad beans'. When referring to the plants, you can say 'broad bean plants' or just 'broad beans' contextually (e.g., 'The broad beans are flowering').
A large, flat, edible green bean from the plant Vicia faba, typically eaten cooked.
Broad bean is usually neutral in register.
Broad bean: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɔːd ˈbiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrɔːd ˈbiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Full of beans (energetic) – note: this idiom uses 'beans' generically, not specifically broad beans.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BROAD = wide/flat. A BROAD BEAN is a wide, flat bean. It's broader than a runner bean.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualised as a 'pillow' or 'cushion' due to its shape.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most common in American English for 'broad bean'?