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

Consider shallots for a softer touch, sweet onions for a deep yet mellow flavor, or red onions for a pleasant tangy quality. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026

Just make sure to always have a bag of frozen shrimp in your freezer, and some shallots and fresh lemon on hand, and voila—you’re ready to cook! —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 10 June 2026

Shredded vegetables — carrot, ginger, papaya, shallot and cucumber, some pickled and some fresh — are arranged, per the original name, over top in willowy repose. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Add the chile slices, half of the sliced shallot (save the rest for serving), the fish sauce and a pinch each salt and sugar. —Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 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