chive

noun

ˈchīv 

: a perennial plant (Allium schoenoprasum) related to the onion and having slender leaves used as a seasoning

also : its leaves

—usually used in plural compare garlic chive

Examples of chive in a Sentence

Do you want chives on your baked potato?

Recent Examples on the Web

Top generously with fresh chives and a small drizzle of olive oil, if desired. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Strong-smelling things like lavender, marigolds, and chives are a good place to start, says Torchio. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026

The strong aroma of chives will make sure pests like aphids and Japanese beetles stay far away. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026

For natural squash bug control, try companion planting with yarrow, borage, zinnias, sunflowers, chives, or nasturtiums. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin cepa onion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chive

• Chinese chive
• garlic chive

Rhymes for chive

• dive
• drive
• five
• hive
• jive
• live
• strive
• thrive
• alive
• archive
• arrive
• beehive

Kids Definition

chive

noun

ˈchīv 

: an herb related to the onion and having leaves used as a seasoning