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

Chef Fiore is serving oversized Frito pie pizza slices topped with brisket chile, cheddar, sour cream, chives and Fritos. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, to make the dip, in a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, cilantro, chives, garlic, lime juice and taco seasoning. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Bake in the over for about 30 minutes and garnish with chives. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026

Start perennial herbs with a moderately slow growth rate, such as chives, oregano, sage, and thyme indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 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