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 chef cooks down the huitlacoche into a paste and seasons it with a bit of acid, garlic and spice. —Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025

What To Know Red Chimichurri will be freshly prepared in-restaurant every day, featuring ingredients such as roasted garlic, fresh cilantro, chili peppers, and citrus juice. —Ben Kelly, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Add remaining oil, green onion, garlic and ginger; cook on medium-high until softened, about 1 minute. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025

Without wiping skillet clean, add garlic to drippings in skillet; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 30 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