noun Common

kidney

KIHD-nee

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Kidney (noun) means one of two bean-shaped organs in the body that filter waste from the blood and produce urine. Example: “The doctor explained that a stone had blocked her kidney and caused the pain.”

noun

One of two bean-shaped organs in the body that filter waste from the blood and produce urine.

"The doctor explained that a stone had blocked her kidney and caused the pain."

"She donated one of her kidneys to her brother."

"Doctors monitor kidney function closely in diabetic patients."

A person's general character, nature, or temperament — an older, less common usage.

"The old novel describes a vicar of a gentle kidney who never raised his voice."

"People of that kidney rarely admit they are wrong."

"He was a man of a rather stubborn kidney."

How to use kidney

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe organ that filters your blood and makes urine; also, in old-fashioned usage, a person's temperament.

Common pairings

kidney failure kidney stone kidney transplant

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: kidneys

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The doctor explained that a stone had blocked her _____ and caused the pain.

Etymology

From Middle English "kideney," of murky origin — likely a blend of an old word for "sack" (referring to the organ's pouch-like shape) and an older word for "kidney" itself, with the spelling reshaped to resemble "egg" (Middle English "ey").

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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nature temperament character sort type ilk rein nephros ren

Related words

like part kind class type art self character

Rhymes for kidney

key hey bey dey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey

See all rhymes for kidney →

Frequently asked questions

What is the plural of kidney?

The plural is kidneys, formed by simply adding -s. Because kidney ends in a vowel plus y, the y does not change to -ies, so "kidnies" is a misspelling.

Why are kidney beans called kidney beans?

Kidney beans take their name from their shape: each bean curves like a miniature version of the kidney, the bean-shaped organ in the body. The dark red colour of the most common variety strengthens the resemblance.

What is the meaning of kidney?

"kidney" (noun) means one of two bean-shaped organs in the body that filter waste from the blood and produce urine.

What is another word for kidney?

Other words for "kidney" include nature, temperament, character, sort, type, ilk.

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