chive

noun

: a perennial plant (Allium schoenoprasum) related to the onion and having slender leaves used as a seasoning
also : its leaves
usually used in 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.
Add chives and pepper to bacon mixture and stir to combine. Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 The same occurs when chives or green onions are tossed into a salad or stir-fry. Md Published, Verywell Health, 28 June 2025 Sliding into spring, the toppings become lighter, fresher, and brighter bursting with mint, basil, chives, and lavender in sassy vinaigrettes and pestos. Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025 Serve the chicken with the salad, garnished with additional chives. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

chive

noun
: an herb related to the onion and having leaves used as a seasoning

More from Merriam-Webster on chive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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