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

However, since 2021, he's made just 25 starts due to two Tommy John surgeries and his lettuce mishap. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025

The system uses real-time inventory tracking from lettuce to condiments and everything in between. —Joe Salas, New Atlas, 30 Apr. 2025

In fact, the Lomi itself comes in a giant compostable bag, which, when torn into pieces, can be processed down to what looks like dehydrated lettuce right in the machine. —Kat Merck, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025

Toss together lettuce, sugar snap peas, cabbage, cucumbers, and mint in a large bowl with about half of the dressing until evenly coated. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 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