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

Many lettuce varieties offer different leaf colors and shapes, so plant several to add pizzazz to your garden and your salads. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026

Spoonemore recommends starting with easy, rewarding crops like tomatoes, basil, zinnias, lettuce, and beans. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026

In the South, some of our best salads don't include lettuce. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 25 May 2026

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Tomatoes run shoppers close to 40% more, while lettuce is up about 8% over the same period. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 May 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