parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

: a European biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family widely grown for its finely dissected curly or flat leaves which are used as an herb or garnish

also : the leaves

Examples of parsley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Give your appetizer spread a refresh with this no-cook dip made with canned chickpeas, tuna, lemon juice, anchovies, red onion, and parsley. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

This is why in some cases, such as the most recent outbreak in 2024 attributed to parsley, a single grower, manufacturer or distributor is never identified. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 22 July 2026

State officials have hinted that the outbreak could be caused by parsley, cilantro, or lettuce, but apparently not Taco Bell’s lettuce. — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

Be especially generous with the parsley, mint and other fresh herbs; the couscous readily absorbs their flavors, ensuring that every forkful is fragrant, lively and refreshing. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English persely, from Old English petersilie, from Vulgar Latin *petrosilium, alteration of Latin petroselinum, from Greek petroselinon, from petros stone + selinon celery

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing parsley

• Chinese parsley
• fool's parsley
• giant cow parsley
• Italian parsley

Rhymes for parsley

• sparsely

Kids Definition

parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

plural parsleys

: a European herb related to the carrot and widely grown for its finely divided leaves which are used to season or decorate foods

also : the leaves

Medical Definition

parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

: a southern European annual or biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family having leaves which are used as a culinary herb or garnish and a root and seeds which have been used medicinally