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

Serve topped with Parmesan and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons parsley. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 May 2025

Garnish with the parsley, if desired, and serve with the remaining syrup and hot sauce. —Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 7 May 2025

For filling, in a small bowl stir together 3/4 cup butter, parsley, chives and garlic. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025

Silver buttercups, cow parsley and strawberry leaves fill a vase, while branches of apple blossom and Scots pine shed petals and pines, like a Dutch still life in precious metal. —Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 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