chive

noun

: 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 The sweetness of corn is balanced by a briny kick of cooked shrimp, the richness of heavy cream, an oniony bite from chives, and baby red potatoes to thicken the broth. Paige Grandjean, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2023 To serve, ladle the venison stew into bowls and garnish with the parsley or chives. Jonathan Miles, Field & Stream, 15 Nov. 2023 The dumplings come buried under a white cheese sauce and a flutter of chives. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2023 Bacon, cheddar, sour cream and chives bring the spirit of a baked potato into a creamy soup just made for cold evenings. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2023 Garnish the spuds with fresh chives just before serving for a bit of color and a hint of onion flavor. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2023 Or mix things up with other flavorful filling additions, such as chives, shallots, chili peppers, hot sauce, bacon, blue cheese, and more. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2023 The dish also incorporated perfect orbs of firm but tender chayote squash, lily-pad-like nasturtium leaves, and carefully sliced chives. Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023 Endive leaves serve as the cups for rich goat cheese stuffed with chives, parsley, and tarragon. Marissa Wu, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chive was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near chive

Cite this Entry

“Chive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chive. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

chive

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

More from Merriam-Webster on chive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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