# lupin

/ˈɫupən/ (US) · /lˈuːpɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lupin
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the plant

noun · CEFR B2

a tall plant with many small, colorful flowers growing along the top of a single stem.

For teachers: any plant of the genus Lupinus, typically grown for its ornamental spikes of flowers or for soil nitrogen fixation.

- The garden was full of purple and pink lupins during the early summer.
- The gardener planted a row of perennial lupins to add vertical interest and vibrant color to the back of the border.

### 2. the seed or bean

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a type of yellow bean that people eat as a snack, often found in Mediterranean cooking.

For teachers: the edible seed of certain Lupinus species, traditionally consumed as a pickled snack in Mediterranean and Latin American cultures.

- We sat at the bar eating salty lupins and olives with our drinks.
- Lupin beans require extensive soaking to remove bitter alkaloids before they are safe and palatable for human consumption.

Usage: Often used in the plural form 'lupins' when referring to the food item.

## Examples

- The lupin plant grows well in dry, sandy soil.
- Farmers in the Mediterranean often plant lupin to improve soil fertility because it fixes nitrogen from the air.
- While the lupin is a staple crop in many arid regions for its protein content, its cultivation requires careful management to prevent the spread of invasive species in local ecosystems.

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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.