leek

noun

ˈlēk 

plural leeks

: a biennial herbaceous plant (Allium porrum synonym A. ampeloprasum var. porrum) of the amaryllis family that is related to the garlic, onion and chive and is commonly grown as an annual for its mildly pungent linear leaves and especially for its cylindrical stemlike lower sheath of leaves

Illustration of leek

Examples of leek in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An anti-inflammatory diet also includes healthy fats, such as olive oil and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids like fish as well as walnuts and flax, chia and basil seeds. Alliums — including garlic, onion, leeks and shallots — are flavorful plants that have multiple anti-inflammatory properties. —Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 20 June 2025

Highlights on a recent menu included moreish gnocchi with wild mushrooms; hake with mussel sauce and leeks and a divine dessert, milk chocolate mousse with cherries. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Traditional ingredients include shiitake, Napa cabbage, chrysanthemum greens, leeks, carrots, and tofu. —Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 12 June 2025

The other benefit is that while summer squash spreads out over the soil, leeks grow upright and don't need much space. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English lēac; akin to Old High German louh leek

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leek

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek

Kids Definition

leek

noun

ˈlēk 

: a garden herb closely related to the onion and grown for its mildly sharp-tasting leaves and thick stalk