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

These baked eggs are creamy, cheesy, faintly onion-y, fresh from parsley, and savory from bacon. —Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

Light, bright citrus notes from lemon and orange zest lift a floral jade pesto, along with roasted shallots, champagne vinegar, Italian parsley, olive oil, and a finishing sprinkle of Persian blue salt. —Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 26 Nov. 2025

Herbs and Spices Herbs and spices like parsley, oregano, turmeric, thyme, and ginger are full of natural substances that protect overall health and fight common conditions. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 Nov. 2025

To complete the look, pop in a parsley sprig or a doll-house bouquet of fake roses ($7 for a half dozen or so). —Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 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