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

Chicken broth, garlic, and cream add a lot of flavor and richness to the potatoes. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025

Adding just a few cloves of garlic turns what could be a simple side dish into something with undeniable charm. —Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025

Slice sweet potatoes into wedges and roast them with olive oil, sea salt, garlic, and onion powder. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 21 Oct. 2025

Season with herbs, garlic, or lemon instead of salt. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 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