legume

noun

plural legumes
1
a
: the dry fruit of plants of the legume family (such as peas or beans) that develops from a single carpel of a flower and usually splits into two halves with seeds attached to the seam of one half : pod entry 1 sense 1
b
: the fruit or seeds of a legume plant (such as the peanut or tamarind) used for food
2
: any of a large family (Leguminosae synonym Fabaceae, the legume family) of dicotyledonous plants that have fruits that are legumes and roots with nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria and that includes important food and forage plants (such as peas, beans, or clovers)

Examples of legume in a Sentence

recipes that include legumes like lentils and chickpeas
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.
Staples such as canned and dried beans, legumes, and grains are reliably affordable, and opting for seasonal (or frozen) fruits and vegetables will always be budget-friendly. Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025 It’s often found in foods such as legumes, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 30 Dec. 2025 Research suggests that consuming more legumes, such as lentils, may support heart health, blood sugar levels, and weight management. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 29 Dec. 2025 Nutrition of Ezekiel Bread Ezekiel bread is made from four whole grains (wheat, barley, millet, and spelt) and two legumes (lentils and soybeans), all of which are organic and sprouted. Lauren O'Connor, Health, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legume

Word History

Etymology

French légume, from Latin legumin-, legumen leguminous plant, from legere to gather — more at legend

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of legume was in 1597

Cite this Entry

“Legume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legume. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

legume

noun
leg·​ume
ˈleg-ˌyüm
li-ˈgyüm
1
a
: any of a large family of herbs, shrubs, and trees that have fruits which are dry single-celled pods that split into two pieces when ripe, that bear nodules on the roots that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and that include important food plants (as peas, beans, or clovers)
b
: the part (as seeds or pods) of a legume used as food
2
: the pod of a legume

Medical Definition

legume

noun
1
: the fruit or seed of leguminous plants (as peas or beans) used for food
2
: any plant of the family Fabaceae (synonym Leguminosae)

More from Merriam-Webster on legume

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!