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 texture Szapiro also likes to add a crunchy element, such as breadcrumbs toasted in garlic and olive oil, crispy prosciutto, or a dollop of chili crisp. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026

Strain sauce to remove garlic and shallot; add liquid back to pan over medium–low heat. —Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 28 May 2026

Peppermint, cinnamon, and garlic are all scents and tastes these rodents don't like and make great natural repellent for keeping them away. —Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026

In addition to the hamachi, try the beef tartare, with egg yolk, ruby streaks mustard greens, confit yellowtail and chile; the ‘nduja agnolotti with fennel, garden herbs and pecorino; or the half-chicken Milanese with spring green Caesar and green garlic aioli. —Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 27 May 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

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