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

Tehran citizen Hamid Mirzei, 43, said food prices have kept rising and a grocery trip just for staples, like beans and lentils, can cost up to 100 million rials ($73). — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Some initial evidence suggests that lentils may also play a role in modifying certain enzymes responsible for the body’s fat digestion and absorption processes. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

Animal protein comes from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, while plant protein comes from foods like beans, lentils, nuts, whole grains, and soy products like tofu. — Julia Landwehr, HEALTH, 4 Sep. 2026

Food and drink Laid-back suppers at Terrazza Vittoria make a song and dance of Campanian produce at lunch, with on-point yet simple plates such as spaghetti in a San Marzano tomato sauce or lentil soup. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 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