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

One crowd pleaser happened to be totally vegan: a red lentil dal served with coconut rice.

From Salon

I opted for stews and soups infused with spices such as ginger, turmeric and cinnamon, particularly Harrington’s red lentil dal recipe.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether that means making a big pot of red lentil dal to sustain me throughout my overscheduled weeks or joining family and friends to commune in grief and regret while also holding space for hope.

From Los Angeles Times

In travels around the country, Hill, the former Trump aide, has encountered technology executives in North Carolina who need imported minerals to make industrial batteries, and lentil farmers in Idaho who rely on foreign markets to sell their crops.

From Los Angeles Times

There are five fillings to try: lentil, spinach, beef, chicken, potato and carrot, but we do not regret getting the combination plate featuring one of each.

From Salon