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

Storing with paper towels to absorb excess moisture should keep cut lettuce from turning brown. —Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025

The lettuce, which can often become sad and limp in prepared salads, was crisp and green. —Lizzy Briskin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Dec. 2025

Martha Washington’s Kitchen Garden Created in partnership with George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Martha Washington’s Kitchen Garden collection offers Amish Deer Tongue lettuce, white onion, cucumber, kale, hot pepper, carrots, radishes, and watermelon—all crops grown at Mount Vernon. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2025

The protein-forward menu also includes a High Protein-Low Calorie Salad with adobo chicken, supergreens lettuce mix, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa and guac. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025

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