lentil

[len-til, -tl]

noun

1. a plant, Lens culinaris, of the legume family, having flattened, biconvex seeds used as food.

2. the seed itself.

lentil

/ ˈlɛntɪl /

noun

1. a small annual leguminous plant, Lens culinaris, of the Mediterranean region and W Asia, having edible brownish convex seeds

2. any of the seeds of this plant, which are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, in soups, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of lentil¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English, from Old French lentille, from Vulgar Latin lentīcula (unrecorded), from Latin lenticula; lenticle

Word History and Origins

Origin of lentil¹

C13: from Old French lentille, from Latin lenticula, diminutive of lēns lentil

Example Sentences

Rex is allergic is to peas and lentils - ingredients you would not commonly expect to find in a hot cross bun.

From BBC

Based on their frequency, severity, recurrence, and potential for hidden exposure, the top four new ones are goat's and sheep's milk, buckwheat, peas and lentil, and pine nuts.

From BBC

Her husband had been killed earlier in the war and the family had been surviving on lentil soup for three weeks, said Mary's sister Khawla, but the last week had been a struggle.

From BBC

Two pictures posted on X show mostly dried food items that require water and fuel to cook, including pasta, chickpeas, lentils, and wheat flour.

From BBC

"I told him, 'Just eat the few lentils we have left,' but he refused."

From BBC