# leek

/ˈɫik/ (US) · /lˈiːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/leek
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the vegetable

noun · CEFR B2

a long vegetable with green leaves and a white base that tastes like a mild onion.

For teachers: a vegetable related to the onion, characterized by a long cylindrical stalk of bundled leaf sheaths and a subtle, sweet flavour.

- She chopped the leek into thin rings to add to the potato soup.
- The chef recommended sautéing the leeks slowly in butter to bring out their natural sweetness before adding the stock.

### 2. national symbol

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

the vegetable used as a symbol of Wales.

For teachers: the edible plant used as a national emblem of Wales, often worn on Saint David's Day.

- Many Welsh people wear a small leek on their clothes to celebrate Saint David's Day.
- The leek has served as a prominent Welsh national symbol for centuries, appearing on military badges and coins alike.

## Examples

- I added some leeks to the soup for extra flavor.
- The chef sautéed the leeks until they were soft before adding the broth to the pot.
- While onions are more common in many households, leeks offer a milder, more delicate flavor that is often preferred in creamy soups and gratins.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.