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noun

betel

BEE-tuhl

Betel (noun) means the leaf of a tropical vine chewed together with areca nut in parts of Asia. Example: “He wrapped a pinch of lime and spices in a betel leaf.”

noun
1
The leaf of a tropical vine chewed together with areca nut in parts of Asia.
"He wrapped a pinch of lime and spices in a betel leaf."
2
The betel or areca nut chewed alongside the leaf.
"Betel nut stains the teeth a dark reddish colour over time."

How to use betel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA leaf and nut combination widely chewed as a mild stimulant across South and Southeast Asia.

Common pairings
betel leaf betel nut chew betel

Word forms

betels plural

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Test yourself on “betel” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He wrapped a pinch of lime and spices in a _____ leaf.

Etymology

Borrowed through Portuguese from a South Indian word for the plant's leaf.

Origin: Portuguese

betel pepper

Rhymes for betel

See all rhymes for betel →

Frequently asked questions

What does “betel” mean?

The word “betel” means the leaf of a tropical vine chewed together with areca nut in parts of Asia. In plain terms, a leaf and nut combination widely chewed as a mild stimulant across South and Southeast Asia.

How do you pronounce “betel”?

“Betel” is pronounced BEE-tuhl (/ˈbiːtəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “betel” in a sentence?

Here is “betel” used in a sentence: “He wrapped a pinch of lime and spices in a betel leaf.”

What part of speech is “betel”?

“Betel” is a noun.

Where does the word “betel” come from?

The word “betel” comes from Portuguese. Borrowed through Portuguese from a South Indian word for the plant's leaf.

How many meanings does “betel” have?

“Betel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the leaf of a tropical vine chewed together with areca nut in parts of Asia.

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