: a biennial herbaceous plant (Allium porrum synonym A. ampeloprasum var. porrum) of the amaryllis family that is related to the garlic, onion and chive and is commonly grown as an annual for its mildly pungent linear leaves and especially for its cylindrical stemlike lower sheath of leaves
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Add leek and asparagus, seasoning with salt and pepper.—Randy Graham, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2025 The fermentable fiber – which has the best return on SCFA production – is found in fruits like apples, bananas and berries, vegetables such as onions and leeks, legumes like lentils and chickpeas, as well as grains and nuts and seeds.—New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025 Her hearty, fragrant recipe is filled with three different alliums (leeks, onion and garlic) as well as carrots and thyme, all of which bolster the thick broth, adding sweetness and depth.—Ali Slagle, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025 Biennials, such as leeks or parsley, complete their life cycle in two years.—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leek
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English lēac; akin to Old High German louh leek
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of leek was
before the 12th century
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