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.

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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

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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

Among England's Tudor rose, Scotland's thistle, the Welsh leek and the Irish shamrock are the Canadian maple leaf and India's lotus flower.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 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

This deeply satisfying mushroom and leek pasta is made in one pot.

From New York Times • May 10, 2023

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

From "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman