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

Ask for no dressings, sauces, or cheese, pass on the bun, and go for extra lettuce and tomatoes instead. —Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026

Avoid spraying on tender foliage such as lettuce, ferns, or plants with soft, thin leaves, as the spicy spray can cause leaf burn. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026

Customers can now get a lamb and beef gyro, either in a pita bread or a bowl, which comes with lettuce, tomatoes, a yogurt sauce and hot sauce. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Marigolds will stop slugs in their tracks, taking the hit before the slugs reach your lettuce crop. —Heather Bien, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026

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

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