lettuce

noun

let·​tuce ˈle-təs 

: any of a genus (Lactuca) of composite plants

especially : a common garden vegetable (L. sativa) whose succulent leaves are used especially in salads

Examples of lettuce in a Sentence

I like a little lettuce and tomato on my sandwiches.

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, the Crispy Chicken Burrito includes two strips, purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese for $5.49. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 June 2025

There is no lettuce, tomato or onion; nothing to interfere with the glorious sensation of an aggressively fatty and salty homogeneous bite. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025

In May, there were seeds for artichokes, asparagus, beans, beets, bok choy, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, ground cherries, kale, leeks, lettuce, melon, onions, peppers, squash, pumpkins, Swiss chard, tomatillos, tomatoes, watermelon, California natives, flowers and herbs. —Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025

Toss lettuce, cucumber, radishes, carrots and 1/2 cup vinaigrette together in bowl. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 4 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English letuse, from Anglo-French letuse, probably from plural of letue lettuce plant, from Latin lactuca, from lact-, lac milk; from its milky juice — more at galaxy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lettuce

• Bibb lettuce
• Boston lettuce
• butter lettuce
• cos lettuce
• devil's lettuce
• iceberg lettuce
• lamb's lettuce
• miner's lettuce
• sea lettuce

Rhymes for lettuce

• metis

Kids Definition

lettuce

noun

let·​tuce ˈlet-əs 

: a common garden vegetable related to the daisies that has crisp juicy leaves used especially in salads