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

Although its formula varies across the Caribbean, green seasoning is generally composed of onion, peppers, scallions, garlic, and chadon beni—an herb related to cilantro that is often sold as culantro and has a bold citrus flavor. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 June 2025

The recipe is oh so simple: grated zucchini, butter, garlic, and lemon cooked down into a luscious, bright spread. —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 June 2025

Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025

Spicy customer favorites include its Three Glass Chicken (dark meat chicken, garlic, ginger, basil, chili, wine and soy sauce), Baoding Scallops (scallops fried then sauteed in a sweet and spicy sauce with red bell peppers, snow peas, mushroom and broccoli) and Tangerine Beef. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 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