2 syllables: Let, tuce. Stress on Let.
LET-uhs
/ˈlɛtəs/
Lettuce is pronounced LET-uhs (/ˈlɛtəs/). It has two syllables (Let-tuce), with the stress on "Let". Lettuce is a noun referring to a cool-season leafy vegetable, typically used in salads or as a garnish. It has a crisp texture and mild flavor, ranging from pale green to deep red depending on variety. The word also appears in culinary phrases and brand names. In everyday speech, it often functions as a common menu item or grocery item.
nounLettuce is a noun referring to a cool-season leafy vegetable, typically used in salads or as a garnish. It has a crisp texture and mild flavor, ranging from pale green to deep red depending on variety. The word also appears in culinary phrases and brand names. In everyday speech, it often functions as a common menu item or grocery item.
"I bought romaine lettuce for the Caesar salad."
"Please wash the lettuce before you cut it."
"The farmer’s market had several varieties of lettuce on display."
US/UK/AU pronunciation is /ˈlɛt.ɪs/. Start with a clear 'let' from the short e vowel, then glide into a short 'iss' sound. The stress sits on the first syllable: LET-tis. Tip: keep the tongue relaxed and avoid turning the second syllable into a full vowel. Listen to native samples and mimic the rhythm: LET-tis.
Two frequent errors are pronouncing the second syllable as a separate long vowel (LET-EECE) and merging the t with a vowel, producing LET-iss with an extra schwa. Correct by keeping the second syllable as a short, clipped 'tis' and lowering the vowel less than you might with a full 'ee' sound. Practice with minimal pairs: lettuce vs.レット (let-to-sound).
In US/UK/AU, the initial vowel is a short e /ɛ/; rhoticity does not change lettuce, but vowel length and intonation can vary. US tends to a crisper /ˈlɛt.ɪs/ with less vowel length contrast; UK may have slightly more clipped final consonant; AU aligns closely with US but may feature subtle vowel reduction in rapid speech. All share stress on the first syllable.
The challenge is the short, lax vowel in the first syllable and the rapid, light /t/ followed by a short /ɪ/ in the second syllable. Many speakers add extra length or a vowel between the t and the s, producing lettuce-ess or lett-uh-s. Keep the /t/ crisp and the second syllable short. Practice with syllable-timed rhythm.
Is the 't' in lettuce aspirated differently in rapid speech, and does the 'u' behave as a separate vowel in any dialect? In standard varieties, the 't' is lightly aspirated in American English when word-initial before a stressed syllable, but in this word it's typically a quick, unreleased or lightly released stop followed by /ɪ/; there is no separate 'u' vowel sound in US/UK/AU pronunciations of lettuce.
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Lettuce originates from the Old French word lauce, from Latin lactuca, which itself comes from the Greek tʰaktón? (thaktron) via lumative routes, though the exact lineage is debated. The Greek term was lactuke, linked to lactation, a possible reference to the plant’s milky sap in some varieties. By the Middle Ages, the word entered Old French as lauce and then English as lettuce. Early English texts from the 13th century use lettuce to denote the edible leaves from Lactuca sativa. The species name and its domestication trace to ancient Mediterranean agriculture, with cultivation expanding through Europe and into America in post-Colonial periods. The word’s spelling stabilized in English by the 17th century, though regional pronunciations persisted. Historically, lettuce has been valued not only for food but as a symbol of domestic gardening and health.” ,
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Lettuce" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Lettuce" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Lettuce" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Lettuce"
-ots sounds
-uts sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
