Search Dictionary
Definition of allium

allium

/ˈæl.i.əm/
al · li · um

Plural:alliums
•
Adjective:alliaceous
JUMP TO:

allium Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A bulbous plant of the genus Allium in the amaryllis family, native primarily to temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere, which includes culinary staples such as onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives.

Example

"The chef finely chopped a mix of alliums to build a deeply flavorful base for the soup."


2

An ornamental variety of the onion genus, widely cultivated in gardens for its tall, leafless stalks and striking, spherical clusters of star-shaped purple, white, or pink flowers.

Example

"We planted several tall alliums at the back of the garden border to add striking architectural interest in late spring."

Word Nuance & Usage

While botanically encompassing culinary staples like onions and garlic, in gardening contexts 'allium' frequently refers specifically to the ornamental varieties grown for their large, spherical flower heads.

• Rhymes for allium

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived directly from Latin 'allium', meaning 'garlic'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Allium. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/allium
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.