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

Soup is easy to make one day before, and hearty lentils hold up to the broth, unlike pasta noodles, which can get extra soft. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026

Mandazis, ginger rice congee and crispy lentil kofte can be found in a new cafe, run by the nonprofit organization MAKE Projects, which opened at the end of June with a mission to empower immigrant and refugee women. — Madeleine Kashkooli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

How to Eat Add lentils to your favorite vegetable burger recipe. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026

Black beans, lentils, raspberries, chia seeds, sprouted-grain bread, and avocados provide more fiber than sourdough bread. — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 July 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