garlic

noun

gar·​lic ˈgär-lik How to pronounce garlic (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The nuggets are seared, smoked and seasoned with garlic and pepper. Helena Wegner, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025 Add garlic and continue gently simmering until reduced by about half. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025 Add the garlic and cook 1-2 minutes longer, until fragrant. Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025 Oxo Good Grips Vegetable Chopper This one-cup chopper efficiently dices small ingredients, like garlic and nuts. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for garlic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of garlic was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Garlic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garlic. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

garlic

noun
gar·​lic ˈgär-lik How to pronounce garlic (audio)
: 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 adjective

Medical Definition

garlic

noun
gar·​lic ˈgär-lik How to pronounce garlic (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on garlic

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