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

This goes with countless ingredients that people just get too stingy with—including butter, cheese, garlic, and more. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

In the same pan, gently fry the tomato paste, ginger and garlic for about two minutes. — Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Using tongs, transfer kale and garlic to a rimmed baking sheet and let cool slightly. — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

Some animal studies and small human studies found that garlic or allicin supplements reduced respiratory viral infections and had anti-inflammatory effects. — Carrie Madormo, HEALTH, 19 Aug. 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