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

Tarragon is the herb of choice here, though any tender herb, including parsley, sage or dill, would be a welcome substitute. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025

Garlic and cumin bring most of the flavor, with scatters of parsley, olive oil and lemon juice freshening up the hyper-savory plate. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Cook until smooth, then add fresh parsley, basil, oregano, and black pepper. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025

Brush butter mixture over tops of rolls and sprinkle with parsley. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 30 June 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