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

This happened about a month before the cyclospora outbreak was linked to lettuce used by Taco Bell restaurants in Michigan and four other states, causing visits to plummet. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce, particularly lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026

Cyclosporiasis, another foodborne illness that has been making headlines this summer, led to an extensive lettuce recall in July. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter; top with shrimp mixture. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 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