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

From black beans to lentils and chickpeas, videos under the hashtag — which have garnered millions of views — show people cooking, blending and even eating beans straight from the can in the hopes of better digestion, clearer skin and an improved mood. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

The committee recommends getting less protein from meat and more from beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy. —Barbara Mantel, NBC news, 2 Nov. 2025

Pairing it with fiber-rich sides like vegetables or lentils can help balance the meal and support gut and metabolic health. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025

Well known for their affordability, beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas deliver premium nutrition at a fraction of the cost of other vegetables and proteins. —Tim D. McGreevy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

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