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

Stir vinaigrette and spoon enough over lettuce and greens to coat the leaves. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 13 Jan. 2025

Make sure the temperature doesn't get too warm as this can cause lettuce and other greens to bolt. 2. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025

Tomatoes, lettuce and onions are all cut fresh daily in store, too. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025

Along with the cheese and meats, the sandwich consists of fresh bread drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, lettuce, tomato and giardiniera — pickled peppers and other veggies. —Bryan Lowry, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 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