chive

noun

ˈchīv How to pronounce chive (audio)
: a perennial plant (Allium schoenoprasum) related to the onion and having slender leaves used as a seasoning
also : its leaves
—usually plural compare garlic chive

Examples of chive in a Sentence

Do you want chives on your baked potato?
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.
The six-ounce North Atlantic lobster tail is breaded, then fried and coated with chives, fresh Parmesan and paprika. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 21 Aug. 2026 For our Million Dollar Grits, stone-ground grits are simmered in chicken broth, then stirred together with a blend of cheeses and a sprinkle of fresh chives. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026 Paired with a fluffy fontina cheese egg scramble, chives and a spicy gochujang aioli, that milk bread (think fluffier brioche) is a soft-inside, crispy-outside base. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 The lacy jeon weaves kimchi or chives with the tradition of women who’ve made the savory pancakes for generations. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chive

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin cepa onion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chive was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing chive

Rhymes for chive

See All Rhymes for chive

Browse Nearby Words

chivaree
chive
chiven
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

chive

noun
ˈchīv How to pronounce chive (audio)
: an herb related to the onion and having leaves used as a seasoning

More from Merriam-Webster on chive

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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