lima bean

noun

li·​ma bean ˈlī-mə- 

1

: a bushy or vining tropical American bean (Phaseolus lunatus synonym Phaseolus limensis) that is widely cultivated for its flat edible starchy seed which is usually pale green when immature and whitish or beige when mature

2

: the seed of a lima bean eaten usually cooked as a vegetable see butter bean, sieva bean

Examples of lima bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To save some money, supplement with healthy frozen foods like bags of mixed berries, edamame, broccoli, spinach, lima beans, and more. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2026

Each Southern cook has a secret combination of ingredients, but most agree that corn, butter or lima beans, and tomatoes are essential. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026

If fava beans are difficult to find, lima beans are a great alternative. —Farideh Sadeghin, Saveur, 19 Mar. 2026

Vegetables: Peas, beans, lentils and lima beans will germinate most reliably and grow most robustly into maturity when treated with an inoculant of living nitrogen-fixing bacteria. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Lima, Peru

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lima bean

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

lima bean

noun

li·​ma bean ˌlī-mə- 

: a tropical American bean plant widely grown for its flat edible usually pale green or whitish seeds

also : the seed of a lima bean