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

For example, when using leeks as aromatics for stock, frozen is just fine. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026

This recipe template can be applied to just about any basic creamy vegetable soup—cauliflower, broccoli-leek, potato and leek, butternut squash, or sweet potato. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026

Winter sowing onions, shallots, leeks, and other alliums in milk jug greenhouses is a great way to save space indoors. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Jan. 2026

My meal began with a leek, fried until light and crispy, followed by risotto with a pesto made from a native basil called tchayo and a red carp stuffed with black olives and served with a carrot purée. —Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026

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