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

Serve chilled with lettuce leaves, if desired, or on its own. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

Divide the lettuce into individual leaves and place them on a serving platter. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 15 June 2026

Serve the sticky salmon bites in rice bowls or lettuce wraps. —Emily Teel, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026

My standard order includes chicken, brown rice, black beans, fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, fajita vegetables, and romaine lettuce. —Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 11 June 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