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

The tender, shredded meat is as great served on rice on day 1, as it is reheated over noodles, on a sandwich, or even on lettuce cups the next day. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

How to Make Caesar Salad To make the ultimate Caesar salad, chop romaine lettuce hearts and add them to a bowl. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025

Everyone gathered around to help flip the meat, stuffing wads of lettuce wraps into their cheeks and washing it down with soju. —Irene Yoo september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025

Not only can bacteria still cling to the lettuce, but increased handling and processing can raise the risk of contamination. —Danielle Zickl, Health, 26 Sep. 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