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

When preparing heads of lettuce, discard the outer layers, which are at a greater risk of pathogen exposure. 8. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 27 May 2025

From the typical country salad of lettuce, tomato and cheese to the beautifully domed rolls and cornbread -- and jalapeno cornbread, too -- your meal can start off fresh and end that way as well. —Arkansas Online, 24 May 2025

Wash your various vegetables, wash your lettuces, wrap them in a towel. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025

Dry the lettuce either in a salad spinner or using towels, then transfer to a large bowl. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 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

Rhymes for lettuce

• metis

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