allium

noun al·li·um \ ˈa-lē-əm \

|Updated on: 9 May 2018

Definition of allium

: any of a large genus (Allium) of bulbous herbs of the lily family including the onion, garlic, chive, leek, and shallot

Recent Examples of allium from the Web

Companion planting with alliums, which naturally ward off slugs, is also a good idea.

— louisa shafia, Good Housekeeping, "Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Vegetable Garden," 3 May 2018
Right now, crops near-ready for harvesting include alliums - onions, garlic and garlic scapes (the thin, sometimes curly stalks of hardneck garlic that taste just like the bulb).

— judy walker, NOLA.com, "A guide to New Orleans area produce: When to buy what," 18 Apr. 2018
Millennial Pink) at weddings this year, this colorful array of peonies, snapdragons, alliums and dahlias is a refreshing change from the recent norm.

— Country Living, "This Wedding Aisle is Over-the-Top in The Best Way Possible," 5 July 2017
In early spring, many of us set out onion and other allium starts.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "here is a timeline for planting crops this year in southern idaho | Idaho Statesman," 7 Feb. 2018
The effect of one in this drink is substantial, a stealthy allium depth charge that lends a vaguely roasty, vegetal note and that rides atop the gin’s natural botanicals for a crystal-cold wave of savory flavors.

— craig laban, Philly.com, "This Gibson offers a sip of elegance, craftsmanship, and history," 31 Jan. 2018
Pork, lamb or even venison would provide ballast for the mellowness of the allium.

— melissa clark, New York Times, "Beef and Onions, Made Better With Beer," 26 Jan. 2018
Shallots are alliums, in the same family as white, red, and yellow onions, along with leeks, scallions, and garlic.

— alex delany, Bon Appetit, "What Are Shallots? And What's So Great About Them, Anyways?," 3 Sep. 2017
One of Lazy Bear’s biggest hits, crispy hen of the woods mushrooms with a sour cream and allium dip, will live at True Laurel year-round ($11).

— esther mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, "Lazy Bear cocktail bar True Laurel opens this week," 19 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of allium

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, garlic

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1600

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

allium

noun al·li·um \ ˈal-ē-əm \

medical Definition of allium

1 capitalized : a genus of bulbous herbs (as an onion, garlic, or leek) of the lily family distinguished by a characteristic odor, sheathing, mostly basal leaves, and clusters of usually white, blue, purple, pink, or red flowers

2 a : a plant of the genus Allium

b : the bulb of garlic formerly used in medicine especially as an expectorant and rubefacient