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

Penne with Lentils and Feta Hearty and wholesome, this picnic pasta salad is loaded with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lentils, salty cheese, and parsley, all cloaked in a light and bright red wine vinaigrette. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Legumes such as broad beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas were also important. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

Tehran citizen Hamid Mirzei, 43, said food prices have kept rising and a grocery trip just for staples, like beans and lentils, can cost up to 100 million rials ($73). — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Some initial evidence suggests that lentils may also play a role in modifying certain enzymes responsible for the body’s fat digestion and absorption processes. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

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