beet

noun

ˈbēt 

: 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

Many fresh fruits and vegetables can also go through security, including seasonal treats like yams, Brussels sprouts, beets, squash, pears, cranberries and more. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2024

The beet Gibson sees gin and vermouth complemented by beet and pickled onion, while the Chelsea sour highlights a bourbon base with notes of apricot, miso, and lemon. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024

There are many natural dyes that could be used alternatively, these include: beets, berries, tomatoes, and carrots. —Anne Michaud, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2024

But there may be a simpler, more natural option: beets. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing beet

• beet armyworm
• beet leafhopper
• beet red
• red as a beet
• sugar beet

Kids Definition

beet

noun

ˈbēt 

: 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