leek

[ leek ]

noun

1. a cultivated plant, Allium ampeloprasum, of the amaryllis family, related to the onion, with a long cylindrical bundle of straplike leaves that are used in cooking, especially the paler portion near the base.
2. any of various onion-related plants, especially the wild leek, Allium ampeloprasum, from which the culinary leek was cultivated.

leek

/ liːk /

noun

1. Also calledscallion an alliaceous plant, Allium porrum, with a slender white bulb, cylindrical stem, and broad flat overlapping leaves: used in cooking
2. any of several related species, such as A. ampeloprasum (wild leek)
3. a leek, or a representation of one, as a national emblem of Wales

Word History and Origins

Origin of leek¹

First recorded before 1000; from Middle English lek, leck, leike; Old English lēac, lēc, lēc; cognate with German Lauch, Dutch look, Old Norse laukr

Word History and Origins

Origin of leek¹

Old English lēac; related to Old Norse laukr, Old High German louh

Example Sentences

They live in Leek in the Peak District, which Laura says can be particularly wet and cold, but cannot turn down the heating because of her husband's illness.

From BBC

On the same menu, you can have a humble leek vinaigrette next to more elevated truffle-esque offerings.

From Salon

This winter, I hosted a weekly soup night: Friends and neighbors showed up with bread and Girl Scout Cookies, and we squeezed around the table to warm up on red lentil dal, potato leek, and minestrone lentil.

From Slate

Emergency services were called to Rudyard Lake, near Leek, at about 21:30 GMT on Saturday, after three boys were spotted in the water.

From BBC

Emergency services were called to Rudyard Lake, near Leek, at about 21:30 GMT on Saturday, after three boys were spotted in the water.

From BBC