shallot

noun

shal·​lot ˈsha-lət How to pronounce shallot (audio) shə-ˈlät How to pronounce shallot (audio)
plural shallots
1
: a perennial onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) that produces small clustered bulbs which resemble those of garlic and are used in cooking
also : its bulb
2
: green onion

Examples of shallot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Add the shallot to the skillet, along with the salt and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute, or until the shallot starts to soften. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 24 Oct. 2026 In a food processor, combine the tomatillos, avocado, shallot, cilantro, spinach, jalapeño, lime juice and salt. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Stir together cilantro, parsley, shallot, garlic, Fresno pepper, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026 Add onion or shallots; cook until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. — Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shallot

Word History

Etymology

modification of French échalote, from Middle French eschalotte, alteration of eschaloigne, from Vulgar Latin *escalonia — more at scallion

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shallot was in 1664

Rhymes for shallot

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Browse Nearby Words

shallop
shallot
shallow
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shallot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shallot. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shallot

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shallot

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