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

Lunch might be a salad followed by lentil curry or vegetable paella, while dinner could start with vegetable soup and continue with a generous serving of fish and vegetables. —Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 7 June 2026

Switch to whole-wheat or brown-rice pasta, or to legume pasta made from chickpeas, red lentils, or black beans. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 June 2026

Two of the most popular dishes are msemen — flaky, pan-fried flatbreads — and harira, a hearty tomato, lentil and chickpea soup. —Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

Emphasize lean sources of protein — such as beans, lentils and soy — and lean meats. —Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 4 June 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