leek

[ leek ]

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

/ liːk /

noun

1. Also calledscallion 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of leek¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of leek¹

Old English lēac; related to Old Norse laukr, Old High German louh

Example Sentences

Melted leeks are sweeter and richer in flavor, while scallions provide a nice crunch and sharp flavor for garnishing a dish.

From Vox

Add the leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 4 to 5 minutes.

From Washington Post

It’s made with early-harvest vegetables — leeks, peas, new potatoes, spinach and herbs — and is simply seasoned so their delicate flavors come through clearly.

From Washington Post

True to its roots, this dish is adaptable to just about any combination of vegetables you have on hand, such as asparagus, peas, potato, leeks, broccoli, you name it.

From Washington Post

The end result was a sheet of bronzed chicken with a heap of soft-but-not-mushy peas and leeks infused with the rendered chicken fat.

From Eater

Lon did so with a proper pantomime of indifference, but it was a leek to eat, and there was no denying it.

From Project Gutenberg

Ees eet dat de amiable Mrs. Croydon she do have a deeferent husband leek a sailor mans een all de harbors?

From Project Gutenberg

We got out to the road about dark, and reached Leek, Springs where we found some grass, and camped.

From Project Gutenberg

Though my head be like a leek, white, may not my heart be like the blade, green?

From Project Gutenberg

It is said that Mr. Wardle, of Leek, is now seeking for dyes of pure unadulterated colours, and mordants to fix them.

From Project Gutenberg