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chive

American  
[chahyv] / tʃaɪv /

noun

  1. a small bulbous plant, Allium schoenoprasum, related to the leek and onion, having long, slender leaves that are used as a seasoning.


chive British  
/ tʃaɪv /

noun

  1. Also called: chives.  a small Eurasian purple-flowered alliaceous plant, Allium schoenoprasum, whose long slender hollow leaves are used in cooking to flavour soups, stews, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of chive

1350–1400; Middle English cive < Anglo-French chive, Old French cive ≪ Latin caepa onion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In addition to the savory, new potato, cheddar and chive bakes, there's also a new sweet option, the vanilla bean custard danish, as well as the new chicken, maple butter and egg sandwich.

From Salon • Jan. 4, 2024

This chive pesto potato salad is highly adaptable.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Her main dish was smoked rainbow trout, citrus cured rillette, fried egg, chive mash, soused vegetables and herb butter sauce.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2023

First among equals are the pan-fried chive and pork dumplings, their perfume leaning, without apology, to the onion side of the spectrum.

From Washington Post • Aug. 15, 2022

Add that to all the chive, dillweed, and lemon balm growing around the porch and the smell could knock you over.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd