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

Add the shallot and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026

Her ingredient list is sparse—just shallots, spices, and coconut milk—but the result is so silky and rich. —Shirley Parameswaran, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026

Add bell peppers, tomato, shallot and jalapeno and continue cooking 2 minutes, stirring frequently. —C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 15 Mar. 2026

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

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