lentil

noun

len·​til ˈlen-tᵊl How to pronounce lentil (audio)
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
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Limit gas-producing foods and beverages: Carbonated drinks, beans, lentils, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage can increase gas in your intestines, leading to more stomach growling. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 21 May 2025 Legumes are fiber-rich plants that include lentils, peas, and beans. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025 Toss the lentils with 1 tablespoon of the vinaigrette. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 7 May 2025 Kitchens can provide only lentils or plain pasta and rice. Wafaa Shurafa and Lee Keath, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lentil

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lentil was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lentil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lentil. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

lentil

noun
len·​til ˈlent-ᵊl How to pronounce lentil (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lentil

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