an Asian piperaceous climbing plant, Piper betle, the leaves of which are chewed, with the betel nut, by the peoples of SE Asia
Word origin
C16: from Portuguese, from Malayalam vettila
betel in American English
(ˈbitl)
noun
an East Indian pepper plant, Piper betle, the leaves of which are chewed with other ingredients
Also: betel pepper
Word origin
[1545–55; ‹ Pg bétele, bétere ‹ Malayalam viṟṟila or Tamil veṟṟilai]This word is first recorded in the period 1545–55. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: articulate, fusion, inversion, offset, rounding
Examples of 'betel' in a sentence
betel
The new rules have appalled betel users, sellers and farmers who grow the components.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Proof of the effectiveness of the documentary are those plunging betel prices, runs the impeccable state media logic.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
There's also a stuffed riceflour pancake on the menu, but my favourite is the betel leaf roll recipe.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The plastic bag of betel wrapped into his longhi was the only thing he had salvaged.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Place the mangetout, peas, cucumber, betel or basil leaves and noodles on a serving dish and drizzle with the dressing.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
There are the usual suspects of mint, coriander and holy basil but you'll also see dill, betel leaves and sawtooth.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Put small dollops on betel leaves, roll up, then thread four rolls on to a skewer.