allium

noun

al·​li·​um ˈa-lē-əm 

plural alliums

: any of a large genus (Allium) of bulbous herbs of the amaryllis family that includes the onion, garlic, chive, and leek

Examples of allium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Depending on the time of year, the drink has celebrated peak-season tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and bright spring alliums. —Emily Bloch, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 May 2025

While their prowess in deterring unwanted visitors is a significant advantage, there are other benefits of incorporating onions and other alliums into your garden. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 11 May 2025

How to use wild garlic in the kitchen As mentioned, the entire wild garlic plant is edible and can be used in place of other alliums. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025

There are layers of allium and herb infused, thanks to the thyme and shallot. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin ālium, allium "garlic," of uncertain origin

Note: Compared with Latin āla "wing," if the cloves of a garlic head are comparable to wings, though neither the derivational relationship nor the analogy are more than speculative.

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for allium

• gallium
• pallium
• thallium

Medical Definition

allium

noun

al·​li·​um ˈal-ē-əm 

1

Allium : a genus of bulbous herbs (as an onion, garlic, or leek) of the amaryllis 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