lettuce

noun

let·​tuce ˈle-təs 

: any of a genus (Lactuca) of composite plants

especially : a common garden vegetable (L. sativa) whose succulent leaves are used especially in salads

Examples of lettuce in a Sentence

I like a little lettuce and tomato on my sandwiches.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mix bitter lettuce varieties like radicchio and endive with tender greens, add something substantial like lentils or roasted sweet potatoes, and finish with bright pops of pomegranate or dried cranberries. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Oct. 2025

There was likely shad from the Delaware River, fresh corn and lettuces from nearby farms, sugar and pineapples from the Caribbean, spices from Asia. —Victoria Flexner, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025

Arrange artichokes, heads of lettuce, and lotus pods in similar colored vases, or use dry split peas as a vase filler. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025

The dish is made of a 16-ounce Angus beef patty, lettuce, tomato, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, and sandwiched between two pepperoni pizzas. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English letuse, from Anglo-French letuse, probably from plural of letue lettuce plant, from Latin lactuca, from lact-, lac milk; from its milky juice — more at galaxy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lettuce

• Bibb lettuce
• Boston lettuce
• butter lettuce
• cos lettuce
• devil's lettuce
• iceberg lettuce
• lamb's lettuce
• miner's lettuce
• sea lettuce

Rhymes for lettuce

• metis

Kids Definition

lettuce

noun

let·​tuce ˈlet-əs 

: a common garden vegetable related to the daisies that has crisp juicy leaves used especially in salads