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

Bob Evans Original Pork Sausage Patties delivered bold garlic flavor and a juicy texture. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 May 2026

The mix blends aromatics like onion, garlic, cinnamon, and molasses to create a sweet, salty, and savory bite. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2026

Reduce the heat to medium and add the celery, garlic, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the drippings in the pot. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

That's linguine, cherry or grape tomatoes, a medium onion sliced thin, 4 cloves of garlic, also sliced thin, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 large sprigs of basil, and 4 ½ cups of water. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 May 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