shallot

noun

shal·​lot shə-ˈlät  ˈsha-lət 

plural shallots

1

: a perennial onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) that produces small clustered bulbs which resemble those of garlic and are used in cooking

also : its bulb

2

: green onion

Examples of shallot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When the foam subsides, add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. —Locke-Ober, Saveur, 22 Jan. 2026

Add shallots; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. —Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026

This version uses New York strip steak as its protein with local mushrooms and pickled mustard seed, topped with crispy shallots on a bed of homemade tagliatelle ribbons. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 15 Jan. 2026

At Johnny Bechamel’s, Figura uses a New York Strip steak for the steak Diane, served with creamed potatoes and finished with a shallot, green peppercorn and caper sauce. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of French échalote, from Middle French eschalotte, alteration of eschaloigne, from Vulgar Latin *escalonia — more at scallion

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shallot

• alate
• ballot
• fallot
• mallet
• palate
• palette
• pallet