What does soybean mean?
A soybean is a legume whose seeds are highly nutritious and widely used around the world. The plant is an important agricultural crop because its seeds contain substantial protein and oil and because growing legumes can improve soil fertility by increasing available nitrogen. Soybeans may be eaten as sprouts, tofu, fermented foods, flour, or milk, and they are processed into cooking oil, animal feed, and other industrial materials. The term is especially associated with American spelling, while British English commonly uses “soya bean,” although “soybean” is also widely understood and used. In discussions of agriculture, food, and commodity markets, soybean often means the crop or its seeds, not merely an individual bean. The word is useful because it names both a familiar food source and a globally significant industrial and agricultural commodity.
nounA legume cultivated for its edible seeds, which are rich in protein and oil. Soybeans are used to produce soybean oil, meal, flour, milk, tofu, and many other food products.
- The plant of the legume family cultivated for its edible, protein-rich seeds.
- One of the seeds of this plant, used whole or processed into foods, oil, animal feed, and industrial materials.
"The farmer planted soybeans in rotation with corn to improve the soil."
"Soybeans are harvested in late summer and are often crushed to produce soybean oil."
"She substituted soybean milk for dairy milk in her morning coffee."
Use “soybeans” for multiple plants, seeds, or units of the crop; in British English, the plural “soya beans” is also standard.
"The cooperative markets soybeans to food manufacturers and biodiesel producers."
The soybean is one of the world's most important food crops, providing both protein and oil while helping restore nitrogen to the soil.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does soybean come from?
Soybean is an English compound formed in the 19th century from “soy” and “bean.” “Soy” entered English through Japanese culinary usage and ultimately reflects a Chinese word for bean; the related Japanese term shōyu refers to soy sauce. “Soya” developed in British English as an alternative form, and “soymilk” and “soy sauce” are later English compounds built on the same root.
How soybean is actually used
In British English, the two-word form “soya bean” is common, while “soybean” is the usual spelling in American English. Both forms are standard in formal and technical contexts. The singular form refers to the plant or seed; the plural refers to multiple plants, seeds, or units of the crop, depending on context.
Easily confused with soybean
Soy commonly refers to the processed liquid, sauce, or other products made from soybeans, while a soybean is the plant or seed itself.
Soya bean is the British spelling, and soybean is the standard American spelling; both refer to the same plant and seed.