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

The Seder plate includes foods like matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, parsley dipped in saltwater and a sweet paste called charoset, which act as a visual representation of the Israelites’ enslavement and liberation from Egypt. —Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

Whisk vinegar, parsley, shallot, sugar, remaining oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

Both times used ½ basil, ½ flat leaf parsley. —Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are incredibly easy to grow and add fresh flavor to your meals. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 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