: 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 WebOnions: Swap the spring onions with shallots, leeks or red onions for a contrasting pop of color.—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 3 May 2024 Wild garlic is a member of the Liliaceae family, just like regular garlic, leek, onion, shallots, and chives.—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 2 May 2024 Chop the carrots and leek and shred the chicken the day before and refrigerate.—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2024 His dish represented poverty, inspired by the humble ingredients in Dan’s leek cannoli with potato mousse, potato tuile, pickle and kombu salad.—Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leek
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leek.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of leek was
before the 12th century
Share