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 ½ red onion, 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, and ½ tsp. —Demi Lovato, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

Captain Paker’s Pub also serves prime rib and a garlic-herb roasted half chicken, as well as a long list of burgers and sandwiches. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

The seasoning blend on the pork chops contains brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026

The mushroom is marinated for more than 24 hours before being roasted and then grilled over the wood fire and glazed with a ginger toast and black garlic sauce. —Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 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