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.
Michigan is ground zero for cyclosporiasis, where more than 10,000 people have eaten something, likely lettuce, contaminated with microscopic pods containing Cyclospora parasites. — Pien Huang, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026 In most parts of the world, a salad usually contains lettuce. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026 The nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has forced some American farmers to throw out their entire lettuce crops, according to a report. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Try planting a garden with fresh herbs, lettuces, or white clover nearby as a way to lure bunnies away from the berries. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 31 July 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 8 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of lettuce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lettuce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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