# Lima

/ˈɫaɪmə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lima
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. capital of Peru

noun · CEFR B1

the capital and largest city of the country of Peru.

For teachers: the capital city of Peru, located on the country's central coast.

- We spent three days exploring the historic centre of Lima during our trip.
- As the administrative and financial hub of the nation, Lima accounts for a significant portion of Peru's total economic output.

### 2. a type of bean

noun · CEFR B2

a large, flat, pale green or white bean that you can eat.

For teachers: the edible seed of the plant Phaseolus lunatus, characterized by its flat shape and creamy texture.

- The chef added lima beans to the vegetable soup to make it more filling.
- The recipe calls for dried lima beans, which require overnight soaking before they can be simmered into the traditional stew.

### 3. phonetic code for L

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the word used for the letter 'L' when speaking over the radio or phone to avoid mistakes.

For teachers: the code word representing the letter L in the NATO phonetic alphabet.

- The pilot confirmed the coordinates by saying 'Lima-Alpha-Seven'.
- Standard radio procedure requires the use of Lima to represent the letter L to ensure clarity during poor signal conditions.

## Examples

- I added some lima beans to the vegetable soup.
- The chef recommends pairing lima beans with corn and peppers to make a traditional succotash.
- Rich in dietary fiber and plant-based protein, the lima bean is a staple in many regional cuisines due to its ability to absorb complex flavors during slow cooking.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.