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

Though beans and lentils are high in carbohydrates (the macronutrient that impacts blood sugar the most) certain high-carb foods, like beans and lentils, can support healthy blood sugar. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 June 2025

That's along with 2 pounds of lentils and 2 cups of cooking oil per person. —Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025

That’s along with 1 kilogram of lentils and 500 milliliters — about 2.2 pounds and 17 ounces — of cooking oil per person. —Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025

Monthly cash transfers, which refugees used to buy proteins and vegetables to supplement the rice, lentils, and cooking oil distributed by WFP, have also ended this month. —Evelyne Musambi, Christian Science Monitor, 20 June 2025

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