allium

noun

al·​li·​um ˈa-lē-əm 

plural alliums

: any of a large genus (Allium) of bulbous herbs of the amaryllis family that includes the onion, garlic, chive, and leek

Examples of allium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Onions, garlic, chives, leeks, shallots, and other alliums release sulfur-like compounds into the soil, which naturally repel many garden pests. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026

Still, the power of alliums is everywhere in our spring recipes. —Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026

The foliage is lovely throughout the summer and acts like a green shrub backdrop to irises, poppies, roses, and alliums. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026

This is no mom-and-pop operation, rather an empire of alliums and tubers. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin ālium, allium "garlic," of uncertain origin

Note: Compared with Latin āla "wing," if the cloves of a garlic head are comparable to wings, though neither the derivational relationship nor the analogy are more than speculative.

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for allium

• gallium
• pallium
• thallium

Medical Definition

allium

noun

al·​li·​um ˈal-ē-əm 

1

Allium : a genus of bulbous herbs (as an onion, garlic, or leek) of the amaryllis family distinguished by a characteristic odor, sheathing, mostly basal leaves, and clusters of usually white, blue, purple, pink, or red flowers

2

a

: a plant of the genus Allium

b

: the bulb of garlic formerly used in medicine especially as an expectorant and rubefacient