shallot

noun

shal·​lot shə-ˈlät  ˈsha-lət 

plural shallots

1

: a perennial onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) that produces small clustered bulbs which resemble those of garlic and are used in cooking

also : its bulb

2

: green onion

Examples of shallot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Produce is always sourced locally where possible so expect ingredients such as fennel, shallots, zucchini flowers, goat cheese, beetroots, and walnuts amongst starters, and cod, halibut, lamb, beef and, of course, trout, amongst main courses. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026

The house special is the Matecumbe, fish topped with fresh tomatoes, shallots, basil, capers, olive oil, and lemon juice, then baked. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

Menu highlights include a yellowtail tiradito appetizer dressed in aji amarillo and finished with red onion relish, nori oil and a yucca chip; a bluefin tuna roll with Honeycrisp apple, shiso, shallots, horseradish and aged tamari; and creatively adorned nigiri pieces. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026

Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is softened, 2 to 3 minutes. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of French échalote, from Middle French eschalotte, alteration of eschaloigne, from Vulgar Latin *escalonia — more at scallion

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shallot

• alate
• ballot
• fallot
• mallet
• palate
• palette
• pallet