allium

noun

al·​li·​um ˈa-lē-əm How to pronounce allium (audio)
plural alliums
: any of a large genus (Allium) of bulbous herbs of the amaryllis family that includes the onion, garlic, chive, and leek

Examples of allium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Braised leeks hold their own against the supple quail leg, both absorbing the rich foie jus and allium romesco, and a little spark of kumquat. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Bulbs flower at different times and succession planting spring flowering bulbs, like crocuses, with Virginia bluebells, ornamental alliums, and other late bloomers will keep your beds colorful throughout the seasons. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 Add the juice or vinegar, your allium, a small spoonful of mustard (if using) and a healthy pinch of salt to the jar. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Steer clear of using them with alliums, eggs, vinegars, tomatoes, or shellfish so as not to tarnish the silver. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for allium

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin ālium, allium "garlic," of uncertain origin

Note: Compared with Latin āla "wing," if the cloves of a garlic head are comparable to wings, though neither the derivational relationship nor the analogy are more than speculative.

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allium was in 1600

Rhymes for allium

See All Rhymes for allium

Browse Nearby Words

allitic
allium
allivalite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allium. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

allium

noun
al·​li·​um ˈal-ē-əm How to pronounce allium (audio)
1
Allium : a genus of bulbous herbs (as an onion, garlic, or leek) of the amaryllis family distinguished by a characteristic odor, sheathing, mostly basal leaves, and clusters of usually white, blue, purple, pink, or red flowers
2
a
: a plant of the genus Allium
b
: the bulb of garlic formerly used in medicine especially as an expectorant and rubefacient
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