lentil

noun

len·​til ˈlen-tᵊl How to pronounce lentil (audio)
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
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.
Make it with red lentils, zucchini, coconut milk, yogurt, and heaps of warm spices. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 2 Aug. 2026 At lunch, a stellar choice is the thali, a sampler platter of savory and balanced vegetarian, chicken, or goat curries, with lentils, rice, vegetables, and chutneys, all seasoned and salted just right. — Shindy Chen, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026 Toss lentils into grain dishes, such as rice pilaf and quinoa salads. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 July 2026 This includes beans, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, tofu, edamame, nuts, and seeds. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lentil

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lentil was in the 13th century

Rhymes for lentil

See All Rhymes for lentil

Browse Nearby Words

lentiginous
lentil
lentile
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lentil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lentil. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lentil

noun
len·​til ˈlent-ᵊl How to pronounce lentil (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lentil

Nglish: Translation of lentil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lentil

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