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
Vegetables: Cantaloupe, collard, corn, cucumber, eggplant, lima bean, okra, pepper, pumpkin, snap bean, southern pea, squash, tomato and watermelon
4.
—
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
This recipe brings together some of our favorite Southern vegetables, including lima beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and sweet onion.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Other fiber-rich foods include lima beans, green peas, raspberries, and shredded wheat cereal.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 26 June 2025
There are both bush and pole lima bean varieties, the latter growing up to ten feet tall or taller.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lima bean
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.
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
This recipe brings together some of our favorite Southern vegetables, including lima beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and sweet onion.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Other fiber-rich foods include lima beans, green peas, raspberries, and shredded wheat cereal.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 26 June 2025
There are both bush and pole lima bean varieties, the latter growing up to ten feet tall or taller.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lima bean
Cite this Entry
“Lima bean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lima%20bean. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share