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

Legumes and Pulses Legumes and pulses include beans, chickpeas, peas, lentils, soybeans, peanuts, edamame, green beans, and fresh peas. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 9 Apr. 2026

Harvard nutrition professor Teresa Fung has noted that choosing lentils, beans or peas over animal protein is one of the most effective ways to fill the nutrient gaps American diets consistently show. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026

She’s noted that replacing some animal protein with beans, peas or lentils delivers the fiber and folate American diets consistently lack. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026

Stir red lentils into spaghetti sauce and most picky eaters won’t even notice. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 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