betel nut

noun

: the astringent seed of the betel palm

Examples of betel nut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These men were sitting quite still in the late-afternoon heat, catching a break next to a stall that sells paan, a mixture of ground betel nut and flavorings. — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025 Even the freedom to bring in snacks and drinks—other than betel nuts, a stimulant—could be rescinded if staff underperformed. — Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 27 Jan. 2026 As each night progressed, ashtrays piled up and bags of betel nuts emptied; every once in a while, Bi’s assistant passed him a glass of milk for nutrition. — Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025 According to Science, this implies that a paste was deliberately applied, rather than the staining being a byproduct of chewing betel nuts for a euphoric high. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for betel nut

Word History

Etymology

from its being chewed with betel leaves

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of betel nut was in 1673

Rhymes for betel nut

See All Rhymes for betel nut

Browse Nearby Words

Betelgeuse
betel nut
betel palm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Betel nut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betel%20nut. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

betel nut

noun
: the seed of an Asian palm

Medical Definition

betel nut

noun
: the astringent seed of the betel palm that is a source of arecoline

More from Merriam-Webster on betel nut

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about betel nut

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