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

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

Some prebiotic-rich food options include berries, asparagus, apples, garlic, onions, leeks, dandelion greens, chicory root, whole oats, and green bananas. —Beth Krietsch, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025

The Maine Lobster Pot Pie, with baby leeks, black trumpets, lobster dumplings is found at Bourbon Steak. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 12 June 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