lentil

noun

len·​til ˈlen-tᵊl 

1

: a widely cultivated Eurasian annual leguminous plant (Vicia lens synonym Lens culinaris) with flattened edible seeds and leafy stalks used as fodder

2

: the seed of the lentil

Examples of lentil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Legumes — lentils, chickpeas, fava beans and white beans — anchor some of the easiest high-fiber Mediterranean diet recipes and work in everything from soups and stews to salads and grain bowls. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

In other words, a powder hitting your daily fiber number is not the same thing as a bowl of lentils doing it. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026

Whole Grains and Legumes Foods like oats, brown rice, quinoa, lentils, and beans are excellent sources of B vitamins (including thiamine, folate, and niacin), as well as iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026

Start with a round of sambusas — hot, crispy lentil triangles — then steer right into the Taste of Awash, a platter of beef, chicken and vegetarian shareables meant be scooped up with rich rolls of injera bread. —Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French lentille, from Latin lenticula, diminutive of lent-, lens

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lentil

• dental
• ental
• gentle
• mental
• rental
• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental

Kids Definition

lentil

noun

len·​til ˈlent-ᵊl 

: a Eurasian plant of the legume family widely grown for its flattened edible seeds and leafy stalks used as food for cattle

also : its seed