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

Arrange stakes for beans and other vining plants to create semi-shady spots for lettuces, kale, and herbs. —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026

That one features a chicken filet with lettuce, tomato, avocado mash, bacon and cayenne ranch. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026

Groceries are a steak, chicken sausage, zucchini, yellow squash, lettuce, cheese, two bags of birdseed, coffee, peaches, lemons, limes, ice-cream sandwiches, tomatoes, spinach, broth, onions, and the aforementioned wine. —R29 Team, Refinery29, 4 Feb. 2026

The farms are home to chickens, honeybees, and one recently added a hydroponic trailer where heads of lettuce grow from vertical panels. —Natalie Wallington, MLK50, 3 Feb. 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