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

Their Classic Stir Fry Sauce rests on a salty (but not too salty) backbone of tamari, warmth from garlic and ginger, nuttiness from sesame oil, a touch of sweetness from agave, plus mushroom powder for umami. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025

The protein, which is grilled steak marinated in a blend of cumin, coriander, garlic and oregano, topped with fresh lime and cilantro, is back for a limited time, though an end-date is not clear. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

In another bowl, mix 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder and balsamic vinegar. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Stop watering when the ground freezes and restart the watering routine in spring once garlic starts to sprout. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 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