scallion

[ skal-yuhn ]

noun

1. any onion that does not form a large bulb; green onion.
2. a shallot.
3. a leek.

scallion

/ ˈskæljən /

noun

1. any of various onions or similar plants, such as the spring onion, that have a small bulb and long leaves and are eaten in salads Also calledgreen onion

Word History and Origins

Origin of scallion¹

1300–50; late Middle English scalyon ( e ) < Old French *escaloigne < Vulgar Latin *escalonia, variant of Latin Ascalōnia ( caepa ) onion of Ascalon, a seaport of Palestine; replacing Middle English scalone, scaloun < Anglo-French scaloun < Vulgar Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of scallion¹

C14: from Anglo-French scalun, from Latin Ascalōnia ( caepa ) Ascalonian (onion), from Ascalo Ascalon, a Palestinian port

Example Sentences

Don’t ignore the wisps of cilantro nor the frizzled tangles of scallion.

From Seattle Times

“People are desperate for water,” said Jean Gérald, who was hawking blackened tomatoes and shriveled scallions on a recent day, confident they would sell quickly because food is so scarce in parts of Port-au-Prince.

From Seattle Times

The tops make a great substitute for scallions.

From Seattle Times

The result should be a crunchy exterior and a spongy interior with loads of scallions and some seafood.

From Seattle Times

Pungent, garlicky Chinese chives resemble thick blades of grass; if you can get them from your local Asian supermarket, use them in place of the scallions.

From Washington Times