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

Ramps and leeks are all a part of the allium family too. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 16 July 2025

Sprinkle Gruyère on the bottom of the crust and top with asparagus/leek mixture. —Randy Graham, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025

Asparagus, Spinach and Leek Soup Image Asparagus is the star in this silky spring-green soup, complemented by earthy spinach and herbs and sweet fennel and leeks. —Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Per Report Social Security Changes Position On Controversial Phone Service Cuts Directions Sweat onion, leeks, garlic and fennel in butter until soft. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 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