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

Flavored with fresh garlic, ginger, and warm spices like garam masala and Kashmiri chile powder, the yogurt coats every nook and cranny of the vegetables, helping each floret develop beautiful caramelization. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026

To season this dish, use a dynamic trio of citrusy lemon, fragrant rosemary, and flavorful garlic. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

The simplicity of a naked strip is the popular choice, but there's also eggplant and cheese strips and the Old Fashion Pizza strip with plum tomato and fresh garlic. —Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal, 5 Mar. 2026

Add cloves, bay leaves, garlic and peppercorns to the pot. —Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2026

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