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

Whisk together butter, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2026

Our tasters said the winner should have robust flavor; dill, garlic, onion, and other herbs should be prominent. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026

Sprouted garlic is generally safe to eat if the clove is free of mold or odor. —Caitlin Beale, Health, 11 Feb. 2026

Spruce tips and wild garlic sit in jars on the shelves, a unicorn gallops across a tapestry on one wall, and there’s a woodburning stove to gather around. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 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