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

Taylor Farms, the producer of lettuce linked to a widespread outbreak of the diarrhea-causing infection cyclosporiasis, has now recalled products containing jalapeños linked to an outbreak of salmonella. — Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

Shake the dressing, then dip a leaf of lettuce or vegetable into it and give it a taste. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Warren’s letter also questioned confusion about the FDA reporting that Taylor Farms’ lettuce had tested positive for Cyclospora, only to retract the claim the next day, calling it a false positive. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026

What federal agencies say Last month, the Centers for Disease Control said a lettuce supplier to fast-food giant Taco Bell had been linked to the outbreak. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 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