garlic

noun

gar·​lic ˈgär-lik 

1

: a European allium (Allium sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery

broadly : allium

2

: a bulb of garlic

garlicky

ˈgär-li-kē 

adjective

Examples of garlic in a Sentence

The recipe calls for two cloves of garlic, minced.

a pasta dish flavored with basil and garlic

Recent Examples on the Web

Food Network star Adam Tabura created the new product, which includes white Hawaiian sea salt, Maui red sea salt, chiles, garlic and onion. —Erin Clements, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025

In addition to the myriad of options on the standard menu, guests in the know will sometimes order dishes like kimchi pork belly, which is stir-fried and topped with fresh green onions; or pork gyoza, crispy dumplings served with tangy soy, vinegar, and chili garlic dipping sauce. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025

Onions, garlic, leeks, carrots, celery, bell peppers, ginger, parsley, cilantro, and basil are other common examples. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

For your pet's batch, leave out onions, garlic, peppercorn, salt and spices. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English garlek, from Old English gārlēac, from gār spear + lēac leek — more at gore

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing garlic

• elephant garlic
• garlic bread
• garlic chive
• garlic press
• garlic salt

Kids Definition

garlic

noun

gar·​lic ˈgär-lik 

: a European herb related to onion and grown for its bulbs that have a strong smell and taste and are used to flavor foods

also : one of the bulbs

garlicky

-li-kē 

adjective

Medical Definition

garlic

noun

gar·​lic ˈgär-lik 

: a European bulbous herb of the genus Allium (A. sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery

also : one of the bulbs