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

Non-meat sources of protein such as beans, lentils, peas, tofu, whole grains, nuts and seeds are good additions to everyone’s diet. —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026

Replace white rice and pasta with lentils, beans, and non-starchy vegetables for fiber and substance. —Health, 27 Jan. 2026

Barley and lentil porridges can be higher in fiber or protein than oatmeal, while others, like white rice porridge, are lower in fiber and may raise blood sugar more quickly. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 26 Jan. 2026

Furthermore, plant foods such as edamame, lentils, peas, nuts, seeds and legumes offer a healthy source of protein that’s free from the cholesterol found only in animal products. —Gene Baur, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 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