What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bean
Example
I love eating black beans in my tacos. [bean: noun]
Example
She planted some bean seeds in her garden. [bean: noun]
legume
Example
Peas and lentils are examples of legumes. [legume: noun]
Example
Legumes are a great source of protein and fiber. [legumes: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bean is more commonly used than legume in everyday language and is widely recognized in cooking and cuisine. Legume is more commonly used in scientific or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bean and legume?
While bean is commonly used in informal and everyday language, legume is more commonly used in scientific or formal contexts due to its broader and more technical nature.