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

At its core is a small, lentil-sized diamond that detects magnetic-field changes through its defects. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026

Instead of overhauling your usual routine, choose one meal to focus on beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, edamame, or nuts. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 8 May 2026

Raspberries, almonds, chia seeds, and lentils are some foods that offer more fiber per serving than a pear. —Christina Manian, Health, 6 May 2026

Hearty and wholesome, this 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, 5 May 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