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

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025

Companion planting garlic, onions, and marigolds also may help repel common Brussels sprouts pests, says Heater. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025

Stir together panko, parsley, half-and-half, Parmesan, egg, garlic, capers, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and onion powder in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025

The patty is made from ground beef marinated like traditional lumpia, with soy sauce, garlic, carrots and onions. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 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