lettuce

noun

let·​tuce ˈle-təs How to pronounce lettuce (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thus far, these states are the only ones the CDC has confirmed as having cases related to each other and the lettuce, which is no longer available on grocery store shelves. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Carrots, beets, lettuces, spinach, turnips and chard can all be good fits outdoors. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 As a result, a case reported today does not necessarily mean the person ate contaminated lettuce recently. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 The Spot At The Spot in Las Vegas, a double patty, house bacon, lettuce, tomato, blue cheese crumbles on a brioche bun. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lettuce

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lettuce was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing lettuce

Browse Nearby Words

lettsomite
lettuce
lettuce aphid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lettuce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lettuce. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lettuce

noun
let·​tuce ˈlet-əs How to pronounce lettuce (audio)
: a common garden vegetable related to the daisies that has crisp juicy leaves used especially in salads

More from Merriam-Webster on lettuce

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lettuce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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