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

Chipotle Cream Sauce: Stir together 3/4 cup of Greek yogurt, lime zest, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic, and 2 teaspoons of adobo sauce with 2 tablespoons of cool water. —Laura Schober, Health, 7 Aug. 2025

Lemon, rosemary, and garlic create a lively flavor combo in this entree. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025

Nudo’s bucatini and shrimp scampi pops with Calabrian chili and a generously correct amount of garlic. —Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Romaine is delicious sautéed with lemon and garlic. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 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