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

Drop in thyme, sage, and rosemary sprigs; bay leaf; and garlic. —Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025

An assortment of apples, pears, peaches, garlic and flowers are grown on over 30 acres. —Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Add garlic and cumin; cook until garlic is fragrant and pale golden color, 1 to 2 minutes. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025

Providing a tangy topping to the bowl is our creamy aioli, which is made with low-fat mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, garlic and onion powders, and black pepper. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 16 Aug. 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