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

Through the summer, my go-to bait for channel catfish is hot dogs soaked in Kool-Aid and garlic powder. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026

The pan sauce is flavored with garlic and Worcestershire, plus bourbon for an extra kick. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Roasted garlic-onion cream dresses the top. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

As legend goes, Portuguese sailors brought those very hot chiles from West Africa back to their country, where chicken became the culinary canvas for this spice, with the addition of garlic, lemon juice and vinegar. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 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