leek

noun \ ˈlēk \

|Updated on: 4 Jun 2018

Definition of leek

: a biennial garden herb (Allium porrum synonym A. ampeloprasum porrum) of the lily family that is commonly grown as an annual for its mildly pungent succulent linear leaves and especially for its thick cylindrical stalk

See leek defined for English-language learners

See leek defined for kids

Recent Examples of leek from the Web

Appearing between the two flowers, and directly under the rose, is the Welsh leek, which is paired together with Prince Harry’s label.

— maria pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Just Received the Ultimate Seal of Approval from Queen Elizabeth," 12 May 2018
Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.

— kristine m. kierzek, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "CSAs in flux: Farm subscription models take on new flavors," 5 Mar. 2018
Shreds of Steele’s own quesillo, a Oaxacan string cheese, might top shrimp tacos or a salad of tender leek tops, red cabbage, carrot fronds, and pea shoots, tossed in an herby dressing made with ground chapulines (grasshoppers).

— hannah goldfield, The New Yorker, "Elevated Mole and Mezcal at Claro," 4 May 2018
Seared halibut on a leek gratin with tomato jam and lemon beurre blanc Serves 8 Halibut 8 6-ounce halibut fillets, skin off Pinch of kosher salt Pinch of pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Try this seared halibut with tomato jam from Lilly's Bistro," 10 Apr. 2018
Arrange half of the asparagus ribbons over the leeks and cheese, and then use the vegetable peeler to shave some Parmesan over the top.

— sarah fritsche, San Francisco Chronicle, "Recipe: Flatbread With Leeks, Ricotta & Shaved Asparagus," 22 Mar. 2018
The rest, however, retained its warmth and its excellent flavor resting atop a wonderful supporting cast — au gratin potato, mustard greens, baby carrot, butternut squash puree, crisped leeks.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "Interesting menu, enjoyable view at Ampersea," 22 Mar. 2018
Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino At Coffee Shop 24/7, get a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner that’s served with red potatoes, your choice of salad or potato leek soup and Irish cream cheesecake ($14.99).

— georgann yara, azcentral, "Lucky eats: 24 places for St. Patrick’s Day food and drink deals," 12 Mar. 2018
Salah sits down and proceeds to order the salmon fillet, which comes with rainbow carrots, samphire, smoked leek and potato puree.

— james masters and becky anderson, CNN, "Mo Salah: A day in the life of the 'Egyptian King'," 24 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leek.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.