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

Prawns are quick to cook, packed with lean protein, and work brilliantly in meatball form with lemongrass, garlic, and a little ginger. —Emily English, Vogue, 26 May 2025

Since aphids avoid plants in the garlic and onion families and ants love aphids, add them to the garden, as well. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 May 2025

The sample menu starts at 250 pounds a person with a taste of an oyster vichyssoise that uses imperial gold caviar, buttermilk and dill; scallops from the Isle of Skye with pumpkin, nori, and pine créme, and a Cornish turbot made with morteau sausage, thyme, black garlic and yellow wine. —Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 24 May 2025

The meager pinches of ginger and garlic that went into the pot came desiccated, in jars. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 22 May 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