celery

noun

cel·​ery ˈse-lə-rē 

ˈsel-rē

plural celeries

: a European herb (Apium graveolens) of the carrot family

specifically : one of a cultivated variety (A. graveolens var. dulce) with leafstalks eaten raw or cooked

Examples of celery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, celery seeds, celery salt, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. —Anna Butler, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026

This creamy chicken salad pairs perfectly with the crunch of pecans, Granny Smith apples, red onions, and celery. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

Add a little more oil to the skillet, if needed, and cook the onion, pepper and celery until softened, about five minutes. —Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026

Nitrate in celery might also stabilize blood pressure, and the vegetable’s antioxidant properties can help reduce inflammation. —Ayana Underwood, Outside, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French céleri (17th-century celeris, sceleri, Middle French scellerin), borrowed from an Upper Italian form (as Ligurian sèlarʼu, Lombard sèleri), altered from Vulgar Latin *selinum (Late Latin selīnon), borrowed from Greek sélīnon, perhaps from a pre-Greek substratal language

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing celery

• celery cabbage
• celery root
• wild celery

Kids Definition

celery

noun

cel·​ery ˈsel-(ə-)rē 

plural celeries

: a European herb related to the carrot and widely grown for the thick edible stems

also : the stems of celery used for food