leek

American  

[leek] / lik /

noun

• leeks
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• leeks
  plural

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

See Examples For:

leek leeks

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

On the same menu, you can have a humble leek vinaigrette next to more elevated truffle-esque offerings.

From Salon ● May 22, 2024

And there are numerous vessels: vases, bowls, plates and a few palettes, including two that are narrow, delicate and slightly curved and seem cut from a single leaf of leek.

From New York Times ● Feb. 1, 2024

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

From "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman

The first step is to sauté leeks and garlic in olive oil, butter and, crucially, a bit of white miso.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

For his ramp-themed dinner, Jaranilla put together a five-course tasting menu to showcase the versatility of the allium, in the same family as garlic, leeks and onions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 13, 2026

He grows cauliflowers, broccoli, leeks and brussel sprouts around Comber in County Down.

From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2026

"I do sometimes forage, usually for wild garlic and wild leeks," said Mrs Gather.

From BBC ● Mar. 29, 2025

Today she stewed the fish with potatoes, onions, and leeks, plus a handful of random herbs from Babulya’s collection.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack