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

As Shilpa notes though, the plastic has a tendency to stain, especially when slicing carrots or beets. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025

As manufacturers phase out the dye, products featuring its vivid red color may look noticeably different or switch to alternatives like Red Dye No. 40, beet juice, or paprika extract. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

There are several natural alternatives, including beet juice and pomegranate juice, which can be more expensive. —Cate Martel, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025

Some companies have already replaced synthetic dyes like Red 3 with natural alternatives, including beet juice, red cabbage pigments, and carmine, a coloring made from insects. —Jesus Mesa, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

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