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

Steaks, such as a 16-ounce Snake River Farms wagyu ribeye ($78) are presented unceremoniously on an oval white plate, without so much as a sprig of parsley, much less a sauce. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Turn Grilled Cabbage into a wedge salad with bacon, ranch dressing, tomatoes, and cucumbers, or dress them with a briny mix of mustard, parsley, and capers, as in this recipe. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, and parsley. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Penne with Lentils and Feta Hearty and wholesome, this picnic pasta salad is loaded with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lentils, salty cheese, and parsley, all cloaked in a light and bright red wine vinaigrette. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

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