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

The deluxe version is served with roma tomatoes and lettuce. —Tanasia Kenney, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2024

Or go for baked French feta with marinated olives and a punchy jalapeño basil oil; the classic Lula ‘99 turkey sandwich layered with avocado, lettuce, and chili oil; or this writer’s favorite warming chickpea and fennel tagine with spiced green harissa and sweet golden raisins. —Ari Bendersky, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024

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