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

Don’t skip the oysters, the stuffed spider crab, or the roasted leeks.

From Salon

Mr Molt says he harvests his own leeks, onions, potatoes and tomatoes through the greenhouse society, which are given away to fellow students.

From BBC

So Podesta whipped up risotto with leeks and fennel, infusing a classic Italian dish with vegetables that can be found in Chinese recipes.

From Seattle Times

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

From Salon

She also slips in leeks and lentils to add protein, fiber and necessary minerals — but not so much as to scare people off.

From Seattle Times