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

Walnuts, avocados, peaches, lettuce, beans, grapes, tomatoes, olives, berries, onions, and, from La Mirada to Malibu, fields of commercial flowers. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

Observed in reach in cooler across from grill Sour cream (52F - Cold Holding); Cut tomatoes (53F - Cold Holding); Cut lettuce (54F - Cold Holding). —Staff Reports, Florida Times-Union, 24 Mar. 2026

The High-Yield, Low-Maintenance Picks Some of the easiest vegetables to grow include lettuce, spinach, radishes, green beans, and zucchini. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026

By the end of March, however, potatoes, onions, carrots, lettuce, and peas should also be in the ground. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 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