betel

noun

be·​tel ˈbē-tᵊl How to pronounce betel (audio)
: a climbing pepper (Piper betle) of southeastern Asia whose leaves are chewed together with betel nut and mineral lime as a stimulant masticatory

Examples of betel in a Sentence

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.
Standout dishes at Jaks include: Banarasi Paan Patta - The fried betel leaf adds a crispy, earthy element, while the rose yogurt and tamarind provide a sweet and tangy contrast. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 Pham wraps ground lamb in peppery betel leaves and serves the dish with rice noodles, baskets of lettuce, and enough toppings to fuel a feast that shows no signs of slowing down. Elazar Sontag, Bon Appétit, 9 Sep. 2024 For generations, the community has cultivated betel vines in shaded plots and fished in water bodies scattered across the forested area. Sarita Santoshini, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2023 It is traditionally chewed with an alkaline ingredient, similar to tobacco chewing in the Americas and betel chewing in parts of Asia. Gideon Lasco, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2020 Local media report that three paan stores, selling a betel leaf and nut combination that is chewed for its stimulant effect, have been closed to prevent consumers spitting out the remains, plastering walls and sidewalks with unsightly stains. Rob Crilly, Washington Examiner, 20 Feb. 2020 In the same vein, it was earlier reported that local paan shops (betel vendors) were shut down, but the local administration in Ahmedabad denied any such move. Manavi Kapur, Quartz India, 20 Feb. 2020 Beer cans, cigarettes, and areca nuts wrapped in betel leaves are laid on crumbling roadside walls, folksy cries for good fortune. Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2020 From the snack section, try the miang ($14 for four): a tiny, colorful universe of seasonal fruit brunoise, shaved coconut, cured trout roe, julienned makrut lime leaf and fish sauce caramel arranged on betel leaves. Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, 14 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese bétele, from Tamil veṟṟilai

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of betel was in 1553

Dictionary Entries Near betel

Cite this Entry

“Betel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betel. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

betel

noun
be·​tel ˈbēt-ᵊl How to pronounce betel (audio)
: a climbing pepper of southeastern Asia whose dried leaves are chewed together with betel nut and lime to increase the activity of the nervous system

Medical Definition

betel

noun
be·​tel ˈbēt-ᵊl How to pronounce betel (audio)
: a climbing pepper (Piper betle) of southeastern Asia whose leaves are chewed together with betel nut and mineral lime as a stimulant masticatory

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