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

Medicinal spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, and nutrient-dense herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and mint are also recommended. —Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2025

Serve stew in bowls; garnish with parsley, and splash with hot sauce, as needed. —John T. Edge, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025

Quinoa super food salad with quinoa, edamame, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, parsley, kale, rainbow brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, Persian cucumbers and crispy rice noodles, lightly tossed with Thai peanut dressing. —Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 6 Aug. 2025

After grilling and carefully opening the steaming foil packets, squeeze lemon juice on top and garnish with parsley and scallion greens. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 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