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.
Think crispy prawn toast on Chinese donuts and sugarcane beef wrapped in betel leaves. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025 The latter is actually areca nut enclosed in a betel leaf and taken with slaked lime, a white chemical compound found in plaster. — Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2025 As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026 Preparation has cultural and regional variations, but the seed is usually chewed with slaked lime and betel leaves, and chewing releases a red juice that's often then spat out. — New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for betel

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

Phrases Containing betel

Rhymes for betel

See All Rhymes for betel

Browse Nearby Words

beteem
betel
Betelgeuse
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Betel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on betel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about betel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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