leek

noun

ˈlēk 

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

Examples of leek in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My meal began with a leek, fried until light and crispy, followed by risotto with a pesto made from a native basil called tchayo and a red carp stuffed with black olives and served with a carrot purée. —Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026

Add the grated courgettes and onion to the peas, along with the leek, flour, herbs, spices, eggs, 1 3⁄4 teaspoons of salt and a good grind of black pepper. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 10 Jan. 2026

This indulgent breakfast casserole is made with brioche bread cubes, leeks sauteed in butter, and a rich egg custard. —Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 6 Jan. 2026

Add celery, and leeks; cook, stirring often, until celery softens and leeks are translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for leek

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek

Kids Definition

leek

noun

ˈlēk 

: a garden herb closely related to the onion and grown for its mildly sharp-tasting leaves and thick stalk