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

Legume pastas, such as those made from lentils or chickpeas, can supply even more: about 11g per serving. —Alice Callahan, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Besides grilled lean meats such as poultry or fish, opt for vegetarian sources such as nuts, beans/legumes/lentils, tofu, tempeh and Greek yogurt. —Denise Maher, Flow Space, 21 Apr. 2025

Vegetarian protein sources like beans, lentils, peanuts, and tofu are often more affordable than meat. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 18 Apr. 2025

The mushrooms in the patty give the burger an earthy flavor, and the lentils and oats provide a nice texture throughout. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 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