chive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “chive” mean?
A small, slender, onion-like herb (Allium schoenoprasum) with hollow green leaves and purple flowers, used as a culinary herb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, slender, onion-like herb (Allium schoenoprasum) with hollow green leaves and purple flowers, used as a culinary herb.
Refers specifically to the leaves of the plant used for garnishing and flavoring, typically fresh. In botanical contexts, refers to the entire perennial plant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The plant and its usage are identical.
Connotations
Neutral culinary herb. Slightly more associated with European/French cuisine.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though specific culinary applications may vary with regional dishes.
Grammar
How to Use “chive” in a Sentence
garnish with [chives]sprinkle [chives] oversnip [chives] intoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chive” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- She grows chives in a pot on her patio.
- The recipe calls for a tablespoon of finely chopped chives.
American English
- I added some fresh chives from the garden to the potatoes.
- The omelette was topped with chives and cheese.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agriculture (herb farming) or food retail.
Academic
Used in botany and culinary science.
Everyday
Common in cooking, gardening, and recipe discussions.
Technical
Botanical classification and horticulture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chive”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chive”
- Using 'chive' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'add some chive' – preferred: 'add some chives').
- Confusing with 'spring onion' or 'scallion', which have larger, flat leaves.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in a pinch, but spring onions have a stronger, more pungent flavour. Chives are milder and more delicate.
No. Common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) have a mild onion flavor and hollow leaves. Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) have flat, solid leaves and a distinct garlic flavor.
Wrap them in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate. They are best used within a few days.
Yes, the purple flowers are edible and have a mild onion flavour. They are often used as a decorative garnish in salads.
A small, slender, onion-like herb (Allium schoenoprasum) with hollow green leaves and purple flowers, used as a culinary herb.
Chive is usually neutral in register.
Chive: in British English it is pronounced /tʃaɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃaɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'chive' rhyming with 'hive' – imagine a bee hive garnished with tiny green herbs.
Conceptual Metaphor
DELICATE FINISHING TOUCH (as chives are often a final garnish).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary culinary use of chives?