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

Barsotti’s version of garam masala — the warm spices typically used in butter chicken — include cumin, garlic and almonds. —Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026

Here, it is fried with aromatics and crunchy garlic with chili oil and then tossed in lime juice. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026

Add garlic and sauté another minute or two. —Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026

Rub remaining 1 garlic clove over both sides of each piece of toast. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 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