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

For poolside eats, guests can order from High Bar's icy cocktails plus a casual all-day menu of burgers, hummus plates, and lettuce wraps. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Corn became flutes, jalapeños became trumpets, peppers and an avocado pit became a horn, lettuce handled percussion and an onion was drafted to play bass. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 5 Oct. 2026

Dress the green and red baby gem lettuce with enough Caesar dressing to coat lightly. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Serve your bulgogi with steamed rice, kimchi, and crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

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