scallion

American  

[skal-yuhn] / ˈskæl yən /

noun

1. any onion that does not form a large bulb; green onion.

2. a shallot.

3. a leek.

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scallion British  

/ ˈskæljən /

noun

1. Also called: green onion.  any of various onions or similar plants, such as the spring onion, that have a small bulb and long leaves and are eaten in salads

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Etymology

Origin of scallion

1300–50; late Middle English scalyon ( e ) < Old French *escaloigne < Vulgar Latin *escalonia, variant of Latin Ascalōnia ( caepa ) onion of Ascalon, a seaport of Palestine; replacing Middle English scalone, scaloun < Anglo-French scaloun < Vulgar Latin, as above

Example Sentences

“Any recipe that has scallion or spring onion or something like that, you can totally swap it out with ramp,” said Jaranilla.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

A scallion you keep alive in a glass of water.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025

The 1-inch-high pancake is stuffed with scallion stalks interspersed with chunks of octopus.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2024

These toasted sesame and scallion waffles are light and savory.

From New York Times • May 7, 2023

She took a long, greedy draw of the scallion smell.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen