Quick answer
A leak is an escape, whether of water, gas or secret information. A leek is a vegetable. Memory hook: leek has a double e, like the two e's in green and tree, and leeks are green.
The core difference
Leak is about something escaping; leek is a mild vegetable related to the onion.
- leak — a hole or escape, or to let something escape: There is a leak under the kitchen sink.
- leek — a long, mild vegetable: She added chopped leeks to the potato soup.
How to tell them apart
Both words are pronounced the same, so it comes down to meaning. If something is dripping, escaping or being revealed without permission, write leak. If you can chop it and put it in a pot, write leek.
The slip happens most in news headlines about a leak of information, and in recipes where leek is typed as leak. A handy trick: ee in leek looks like two stalks standing side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a leak or a leek in soup?
The vegetable is a leek. A leak in soup would mean the soup is escaping from the pot.
Can leak be used for information?
Yes. A leak can be the unauthorised release of private information, and to leak means to reveal it to the public.
Are leeks related to onions?
Yes, leeks are related to the onion and have a milder flavour.
