What does lentil mean?
A lentil is a small, flattened, lens-shaped seed belonging to the legume family. It is valued for its earthy flavor, affordable price, nutritional value, and ability to absorb strong flavors while cooking, making it a common ingredient in soups, stews, curries, salads, and vegetable dishes. Green and brown lentils generally retain their shape when cooked, while red lentils break down quickly and are especially useful for thickening soups and dahl. The plural form, lentils, is standard in culinary contexts. Lentils are used widely in British, American, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and other cuisines, though recipes and accompanying dishes vary considerably. The word also has a useful etymological connection: it derives from a Latin term related to lens, reflecting the seed’s distinctive flattened, lens-like appearance.
nounA small, flat, lens-shaped legume with a mild, earthy flavor, commonly used in soups, stews, curries, and vegetable dishes. Lentils may be sold dried or canned and come in varieties such as green, brown, black, and red.
- An edible, lens-shaped seed from the legume plant Lens culinaris, usually eaten in soups, stews, curries, and other cooked dishes.
"The soup was made with red lentils, tomatoes, and warming spices."
"She simmered green lentils with onions, carrots, and cumin."
"A packet of red lentils was among the pantry staples at the shop."
The plural is customary when referring to lentils as food; the singular is also used in botanical or more formal contexts.
"She rinsed the lentils before simmering them with onion and garlic."
The lentil’s name points to its distinctive shape: it comes from the same Latin root as lens, the word for a curved piece of glass.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lentil come from?
The word entered English through Old French lentille, which came from the Latin lenticula, a diminutive of lens, meaning “lentil” or “lens-shaped object.” The modern form lentil developed as the final syllable was dropped. Latin lens is also the source of English lens and gave rise to related forms such as lenticular and lenticel.
How lentil is actually used
Lentils are used in both formal and informal contexts. In culinary writing, the singular is occasionally used for the plant or the seed, but the plural is much more common when referring to the food itself.