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

About three-fourths of the water taken from it flows to farmland — about 5 million acres of it — producing alfalfa for cattle, lettuce, broccoli and other crops. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

The lettuce was crisp, the tomatoes added a welcome juiciness and the combination of meats and provolone delivered plenty of savory flavor. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Serve with rice, lime wedges, whole red chiles, basil leaves, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, lettuce, the tamarind sauce, and the garlic-ginger sauce. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Tender lettuces are slicked with a scallion-buttermilk dressing. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 14 Oct. 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