lentil

noun

len·​til ˈlen-tᵊl How to pronounce lentil (audio)
1
: a widely cultivated Eurasian annual leguminous plant (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 The case also includes another creamy concoction, dal makhani, a dish with black lentils. Suhasini Raj Anindito Mukherjee, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2024 People should also consider eating more legumes, such as beans and lentils, and incorporate nuts like walnuts, pistachios and almonds into their meals. Katia Hetter, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 Peanuts are not nuts but legumes related to beans and lentils. Deb Wiley, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2024 Drain any remaining liquid and transfer the lentils to a clean bowl. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 4 Feb. 2024 The lentils will become soft and break down into a smooth, creamy consistency. Jennifer Lover, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Once the lentils are tender, cauliflower florets are added to cook until soft, then the mixture is pureed until smooth. Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 Good for your gut The fibrous staples in the Mediterranean diet, like beans, lentils, apples and brown rice, are also associated with more regular bowel movements and lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Katie Mogg, NBC News, 28 Jan. 2024 Good sources of healthy carbohydrates to replenish these stores include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, potatoes and sweet potatoes, lentils, brown rice and oats. USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lentil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near lentil

Cite this Entry

“Lentil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lentil. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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