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

This coconutty lentil tomato soup from Yotam Ottolenghi is a reader favorite. — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 June 2026

Some of the best high-fiber foods include oats, beans, berries, lentils, and vegetables. — Lindsey Desoto, Health, 25 June 2026

Both support gut and heart health, though lentils may have a slight edge for heart benefits. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 24 June 2026

The seasonal menu includes dishes like sea bream with lentil dahl, spinach and onion salad; confit duck leg with puy lentils, black pudding and apple or pork belly, with cannellini beans, chorizo and saffron aioli. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 23 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