leek

noun

ˈlēk How to pronounce leek (audio)
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

Illustration of leek

Examples of leek 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 Come for live music on the weekends and make sure to start with Cortez Seafood Chowder, packed with grouper and shrimp plus leeks, potatoes, and okra. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 28 July 2026 Terroir at Alouette appears in the difference between apples from two orchards or in the bitterness of a leek grown on one particular farm. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Dowding sows both leeks and celeriac under cover in module trays at the same time, around mid-March. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for leek

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of leek was before the 12th century

Rhymes for leek

See All Rhymes for leek

Browse Nearby Words

lee helm
leek
leek moth
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

leek

noun
ˈlēk How to pronounce leek (audio)
: a garden herb closely related to the onion and grown for its mildly sharp-tasting leaves and thick stalk

More from Merriam-Webster on leek

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leek

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