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.
Black beans, chickpeas and lentils offer 7–9 grams of protein per ½-cup serving, Wells said. Perri Ormont Blumberg Fox News, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025 In the case of lentils, that can look like roasting them into a crunchy treat (à la chickpeas) or blending them into a dip perfect for crackers and chips. Caroline Tien, SELF, 18 Mar. 2025 Try swapping refined grains for whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, adding beans or lentils to soups and salads, and snacking on fiber-rich fruits like apples, oranges, or berries. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025 There was lentil and kale soup with crunchy, buttery croutons; broccoli-fennel soup inspired, Carreño says, by one that Gino Angelini makes at Osteria Angelini; and an Italian winter vegetable soup with kale, rutabaga, carrots, fennel, crushed tomatoes and beans plus Parmesan rind for umami. Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 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 Mar. 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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