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

Pluck off a piece of fish, place it in one of the leaves of lettuce that come alongside, then tuck in a sprig of coriander and maybe a sliver diếp cá (fish mint). —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025

Boy Burger is two quarter-pound patties, bacon, American cheese, Swiss cheese, chili, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup and mustard. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 13 Dec. 2025

Herbs and lettuce sit above freshwater species like sturgeon. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025

Serve BLTs on whole-grain bread with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado instead of mayo. —Cynthia Sass, Health, 11 Dec. 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

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