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

Some of the more popular edible foraging finds in the state include chicken of the woods, fiddleheads, stinging nettle, wild garlic, garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed, Morel mushrooms, huckleberry, elderberry, wild raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and apples. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025

Place tomatillos, onion, garlic and jalapenos on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2025

Salt brings out the richness of the avocado, the brightness of the lime and cilantro, and the zip of onion, garlic, and peppers. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2025

While the vegetables are in the oven, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic, 1 tsp. —Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 25 Apr. 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