beet

noun

ˈbēt How to pronounce beet (audio)
: a biennial garden plant (Beta vulgaris) of the amaranth family that includes several cultivars (such as Swiss chard and sugar beet) and that has thick edible leaves with long petioles and often swollen purplish-red roots
also : its root used especially as a vegetable, as a source of sugar, or for forage

Examples of beet in a Sentence

I've planted carrots, parsnips, and beets in the garden.
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.
As a main, the branzino, bathed in a lemon-orange sauce and complemented by asparagus gratinée, was peerless and paired well with the beet salad. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Collard Greens Kale is king, but other greens, including Swiss chard, watercress, beet greens, and collard greens, also warrant attention. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026 The collection features beet-print oven mitts, plates, and more, plus colorful kitchen essentials like measuring spoons and cups. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 With a full kitchen at his disposal, chef Cani whipped up seared mahi for adults, penne pasta for the kids, alongside an incredible beet hummus and plenty of fresh-cut veggies, all laid out on our kitchen island. — Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bete, from Old English bēte, from Latin beta

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beet was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing beet

Rhymes for beet

See All Rhymes for beet

Browse Nearby Words

beeswing
beet
beet armyworm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beet. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beet

noun
ˈbēt How to pronounce beet (audio)
: a garden plant with thick long-stalked edible leaves and usually an enlarged purplish red root used as a vegetable, as a source of sugar, or as food for livestock
also : this root

More from Merriam-Webster on beet

Nglish: Translation of beet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beet

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