# legume

/ˈɫɛɡˌjum/ (US) · /lˈɛɡjuːm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/legume
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a type of plant that grows its seeds in a pod, like beans, peas, and lentils. You eat the seeds as food.

For teachers: a plant of the pea family that bears seeds in a pod, such as beans, peas, lentils, and soybeans. Also refers to the edible seed from such a plant.

## Examples

- I cook lentils and other legumes every week.
- The farmer grows legumes like soybeans and peas to improve the soil for next year.
- Because legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, agronomists often rotate them with cereals to reduce fertilizer use while maintaining yields.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the plural when referring to the food group.

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