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

Holland also advises lettuce, leafy vegetables, and anything with a string should stay away from the sink. —Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024

Most people are used to eating Iceberg lettuce with some tomatoes, maybe a cucumber. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024

Just plant, grow, and enjoy fresh herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes right from your countertop. —Mia Ingui, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 2024

Vegetables: Beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, lettuce, mustard, onions, peas, radicchio, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard and turnips. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 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