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

Taking a strict 45-minute pause to fuel with complex carbohydrates and healthy fats (such as durum semolina pasta with olive oil, garlic, and nuts) provides a steady, slow-release metabolic anchor straight through the afternoon. — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

This hot sauce company dates back to 1928, and since its founding has expanded their line of products to include variations on the original hot sauce, some sweetened with honey and other infused with garlic. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

Chiggers avoid strongly scented flowers and herbs like marigolds, lavender, mints, sage and garlic. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 22 July 2026

There are several variations of the soup online, but most start with making a roux using butter, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 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