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

Bar manager Giovanni Allario weaves unexpected twists into classics, like the Pesto Martini with vodka, white balsamic vinegar, and homemade pesto and a Gremolada Negroni with notes of lemon and parsley. — Jaclyn Degiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Make life simple and buy parsley plants rather than growing them from seed, which can be a slow process. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026

Add the cherry tomatoes, 1 can of water, the garlic, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

The green is equally luscious in texture, made with chicken thigh and skin, but intensely herbaceous, brightened with parsley, cilantro, poblano and jalapeño. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 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