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

The magic is the schug (a vibrant blend of spicy Italian long peppers, garlic and herbs) and tomato seeds that add an acidic kick. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Torres’ mofongo is more mash than mush, aggressive with garlic and hot with black pepper. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Customers are trending away from traditional sauces and experimenting more with hot garlic, garlic Parmesan, Thai chili and mango barbecue. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Using the oil left behind in one of the skillets, sauté the garlic and broccoli florets for about 5 minutes. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 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