leek

American  

[leek] / lik /

noun

1. a cultivated plant, Allium ampeloprasum, of the amaryllis family, related to the onion, with a long cylindrical bundle of straplike leaves that are used in cooking, especially the paler portion near the base.

2. any of various onion-related plants, especially the wild leek, Allium ampeloprasum, from which the culinary leek was cultivated.

---

leek British  

/ liːk /

noun

1. Also called: scallion.  an alliaceous plant, Allium porrum, with a slender white bulb, cylindrical stem, and broad flat overlapping leaves: used in cooking

2. any of several related species, such as A. ampeloprasum (wild leek)

3. a leek, or a representation of one, as a national emblem of Wales

---

Etymology

Origin of leek

First recorded before 1000; from Middle English lek, leck, leike; Old English lēac, lēc, lēc; cognate with German Lauch, Dutch look, Old Norse laukr

Example Sentences

Litchfield said residents could also contribute to Guernsey's biodiversity by helping to get rid of invasive non-native species, like stinking onions and wild leek.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Just add hot water to unleash flavors of mushroom, leek, seafood and more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

After embarking on a leek soup detox and discovering her “willpower,” Guiliano loses the weight, keeping it off even after her return to the States.

From Salon • Mar. 3, 2025

Leek fritters with a gummy texture registered all dough, no leek, with the exteriors over-salted such that eating more became unappealing.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

“It’s leek and potato stew with a tarragon garnish and melted Gruyere cheese,” he admitted.

From "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman