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

What to order: Jardin Rouge — Ketel One, Cap Corse Blanc aperitif, Campari tomato, pink peppercorn, white balsamic, French parsley and onion brine. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024

Add whole cloves to this, Scotch bonnets to that, maybe some parsley and thyme? —Lesley Enston, Bon Appétit, 23 Oct. 2024

On top of the poultry spices ALDI features on their shopping list, adding herbs like thyme, tarragon, parsley, and bay leaves add more flavor to your stuffing, gravy, and casseroles. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

Fresh basil or parsley is garnished on top for a bright finish. —Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2024

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

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