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 meat is firm and plump with its own poaching liquid, fragrant with ginger and garlic. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup water, the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ginger, sesame oil, chile flakes, garlic, and scallions. — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

These include the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients such as tomatoes and onions, soft cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, basil, garlic, and oregano. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

Inspired by larb, the saucy filling gets its savory-sweet heat from a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha, with plenty of garlic and scallions. — Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Sep. 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