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.
Well known for their affordability, beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas deliver premium nutrition at a fraction of the cost of other vegetables and proteins. Tim D. McGreevy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Health experts have long praised the benefits of legumes and pulses like lentils, beans, and peas. Ana Morales, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025 If the lentils are too thick, add a little hot water. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025 Beans and Legumes Black beans, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and white beans are all great additions to salads. Allison Forsyth, Health, 21 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lentil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lentil. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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

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