lentil

noun

len·​til ˈlen-tᵊl 

1

: a widely cultivated Eurasian annual leguminous plant (Vicia lens synonym Lens culinaris) with flattened edible seeds and leafy stalks used as fodder

2

: the seed of the lentil

Examples of lentil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some companies will use other proteins, such as wheat gluten, legumes – lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans – and proteins from seed oils. —Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2024

Plant foods like legumes, including beans, lentils, and peas, are great alternatives to animal proteins. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 27 Nov. 2024

Meat, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, tofu, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, lentils: these foods are usually considered key protein sources, but other foods can contribute towards protein intake too, including fruit. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

Eating seafood at least twice a week and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, and whole grains into your diet can reduce risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 22. —Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French lentille, from Latin lenticula, diminutive of lent-, lens

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lentil

noun

len·​til ˈlent-ᵊl 

: a Eurasian plant of the legume family widely grown for its flattened edible seeds and leafy stalks used as food for cattle

also : its seed