string bean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-FrequencyEveryday, Informal (for extended meaning)
Quick answer
What does “string bean” mean?
A long, thin, green pod containing seeds, eaten as a vegetable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, thin, green pod containing seeds, eaten as a vegetable; a type of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) where the entire pod is consumed.
A tall, thin person (informal, mildly humorous).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'green bean' is more common than 'string bean' in both varieties, but 'string bean' is widely understood. The vegetable is also commonly called 'runner bean' in the UK. The slang term is more frequent in American English.
Connotations
The slang term is slightly more playful and less common in modern UK English compared to US English.
Frequency
In the US, 'string bean' is common, though 'green bean' is the default supermarket term. In the UK, 'runner bean' or 'French bean' are frequent alternatives.
Grammar
How to Use “string bean” in a Sentence
grow string beanscut string beanscook string beansbe (as) thin as a string beanVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “string bean” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a string-bean physique.
American English
- He's got that string-bean look about him.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare, except in agricultural or food retail contexts.
Academic
Used in botanical or nutritional sciences.
Everyday
Common in cooking and food shopping contexts.
Technical
Specific to horticulture and culinary arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “string bean”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “string bean”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “string bean”
- Using 'string bean' to refer to any type of bean (e.g., kidney beans).
- Using the slang term in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, they are often the same vegetable. 'String bean' originally referred to varieties with a tough fibrous string along the pod, which has largely been bred out of modern 'green beans'.
It is informal and mildly humorous. It is not typically meant as a strong insult, but like any physical description, it depends on context and tone.
Yes, they are low in calories and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Yes, young, fresh string beans can be eaten raw in salads, though they are more commonly cooked.
A long, thin, green pod containing seeds, eaten as a vegetable.
String bean is usually everyday, informal (for extended meaning) in register.
String bean: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪŋ ˌbiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪŋ ˌbiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) thin as a string bean”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the fibrous 'string' that used to run along the seam of older varieties of this 'bean'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SLIMNESS IS BEING A STRING BEAN (for the slang term).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'string bean' most likely to be used metaphorically?