parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

: a European biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family widely grown for its finely dissected curly or flat leaves which are used as an herb or garnish

also : the leaves

Examples of parsley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dry them thoroughly, then transfer to a jar with a few parsley sprigs and cover with extra-virgin olive oil. —Katie Parla, Saveur, 30 Oct. 2025

Garnish each serving with celery or parsley leaves. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025

In addition to the basil, oregano and parsley, consider adding bay leaves, thyme and rosemary. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Celeriac Celeriac is a root vegetable that belongs to the same family as celery and parsley. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English persely, from Old English petersilie, from Vulgar Latin *petrosilium, alteration of Latin petroselinum, from Greek petroselinon, from petros stone + selinon celery

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing parsley

• Chinese parsley
• fool's parsley
• giant cow parsley
• Italian parsley

Rhymes for parsley

• sparsely

Kids Definition

parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

plural parsleys

: a European herb related to the carrot and widely grown for its finely divided leaves which are used to season or decorate foods

also : the leaves

Medical Definition

parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

: a southern European annual or biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family having leaves which are used as a culinary herb or garnish and a root and seeds which have been used medicinally