garlic

noun

gar·​lic ˈgär-lik 

1

: a European allium (Allium sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery

broadly : allium

2

: a bulb of garlic

garlicky

ˈgär-li-kē 

adjective

Examples of garlic in a Sentence

The recipe calls for two cloves of garlic, minced.

a pasta dish flavored with basil and garlic

Recent Examples on the Web

Add tomato paste and garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. —Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025

Add 1 tablespoon butter to pan and add onion, garlic, and cumin. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

Served in a steaming earthenware bowl, the curry is infused with ginger, garlic, and spices, then piled high with vegetables and a choice of meat or seafood. —Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2025

Akadi is especially well-loved for its sauces made from roasted carrots, ginger, garlic, Roma tomatoes and a savory mix of African spices. —Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English garlek, from Old English gārlēac, from gār spear + lēac leek — more at gore

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing garlic

• elephant garlic
• garlic bread
• garlic chive
• garlic press
• garlic salt

Kids Definition

garlic

noun

gar·​lic ˈgär-lik 

: a European herb related to onion and grown for its bulbs that have a strong smell and taste and are used to flavor foods

also : one of the bulbs

garlicky

-li-kē 

adjective

Medical Definition

garlic

noun

gar·​lic ˈgär-lik 

: a European bulbous herb of the genus Allium (A. sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery

also : one of the bulbs