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

Serve sprinkled with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and garnished with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 20 June 2025

Meanwhile, whisk together oregano, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper and ⅓ cup oil in a medium bowl. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 9 June 2025

Carême served the czar what would become a classic recipe, prepared with garlic, parsley and butter. —Garritt C. Van Dyk, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025

Uncover and scatter parsley and basil over the dish before serving with sauce spooned over top. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 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