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

Expect a pan-European menu of pimientos de padron peppers, warm leek salad and a surprising tuna Milanese with fun twists like a wagyu sando. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

The creamy broth is specked with bits of potato, carrot, and leek. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026

Sliced leeks are cooked gently in butter then combined with russet potatoes and broth and simmered until meltingly tender. — Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026

The thin-skinned fruit can absorb odors from nearby aromatic fridge-mates, so try to keep them away from ramps, onions, leeks, cut garlic, or strong-smelling leftovers. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 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