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 Ground chuck is stir-fried with broccoli, garlic, rice, and bell pepper, then coated with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023 Once the chicken is golden, set it aside and saute half of the roasted pepper strips, some garlic and the optional (but recommended) red pepper flakes. Olga Massov, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023 Onions and garlic Many allium family varieties, including red and yellow onions and garlic, can be difficult to digest. Christine Nguyen, D.o. Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and Research, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023 All of the fantastic ingredients inside are complemented by a simple dipping sauce of garlic and soy sauce. Kturnqui, oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2023 Ginger, garlic, turmeric, and horseradish (which is intensely peppery, attacking the nostrils and causing the eyes to water) are all very strongly flavor Turnips and radishes also tend to have a strong flavor. Christopher Michel, Country Living, 29 Aug. 2023 Her tuna tartare is another standout in a bowl, with squares of tuna, jicama, avocado and cucumber swimming in a tamarind and pickled garlic vinaigrette. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2023 People often consume garlic to prevent viral infections, including colds and the flu. Karen Pallarito, Health, 3 Sep. 2023 Cooking it down with softened shallots and garlic creates a warm, fragrant base for this silky sauce. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 2 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'garlic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near garlic

Cite this Entry

“Garlic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garlic. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!