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

Basil, leaf lettuces and mint are among those that can do the most with the least. —ABC News, 12 May 2026

Mushrooms muscle in for beef in a potent faux Bolognese; the hefty hempseed burger, crispy without and juicy within, is too tall to fit your mouth; and every piece of lettuce is flawless. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026

About 20 races took place at Folsom City Lions Park, with up to nine snails per heat climbing one-foot poles; Mayor Justin Raithel motivated his snail with lettuce and made the semifinals before finishing fourth. —Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026

The ingredient list included oranges, red cabbage, almonds, wonton crisps, and sliced chicken nuggets on a bed of lettuce drizzled with Honey Sesame Dressing. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 May 2026

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

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