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

Holland also advises lettuce, leafy vegetables, and anything with a string should stay away from the sink. — Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2026

Taco Bell suffered a setback amid a period of growth earlier this summer when a parasitic outbreak was linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Even his rawest dishes aren’t quite untouched—one recent lettuce dish stays raw but is brined to alter its cellular structure and concentrate its flavor. — Joel Hart, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026

The house aioli dressing is added as well as provolone cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. — Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal, 11 Sep. 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