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

How, for example, can the curly leaf shape of Lollo Rossa lettuce be explained? — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026

Raw chicken was located over the raw beef and raw beef located over lettuce. — Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Amani loved to spend time with Lakeisha and eat lettuce offered to her by guests, according to the zoo. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Most restaurant entree salads start with lettuce and various vegetables, but few end there. — CBS News, 7 Oct. 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