leek

noun

ˈlēk 

plural leeks

: a biennial herbaceous plant (Allium porrum synonym A. ampeloprasum var. porrum) of the amaryllis family that is related to the garlic, onion and chive and is commonly grown as an annual for its mildly pungent linear leaves and especially for its cylindrical stemlike lower sheath of leaves

Illustration of leek

Examples of leek in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, toss in the lighter veggies like leeks and celery, as well as ground spices, and cook until tender. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025

Made with rustic country bread, mushrooms, pancetta, leeks, and herbs, the bread pudding has an eggy custard base and lots of Gruyère cheese. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025

Roast off some leeks, and onions, and carrots, and a little dab of tomato paste. —Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025

The standout dish of the meal was a simple preparation of leeks that was topped with oozy stracciatella cheese, an herbaceous sweet-and-sour vinaigrette shot through with tarragon, and the toasty crunch of hazelnuts. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English lēac; akin to Old High German louh leek

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leek

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek

Kids Definition

leek

noun

ˈlēk 

: a garden herb closely related to the onion and grown for its mildly sharp-tasting leaves and thick stalk