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

The lobster fried rice followed, comforting and well-seasoned with dashi butter and roasted garlic, giving it depth. —Evan Moore november 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025

Oxo Good Grips Vegetable Chopper This one-cup chopper efficiently dices small ingredients, like garlic and nuts. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

Add another two tablespoons of olive oil, and saute celery and garlic. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Nov. 2025

In a large bowl, stir together fennel, garlic, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and 1 cup parmesan until evenly combined. —Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 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