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

Herbs include chives, cilantro, lavender, lemon balm, parsley, sage and thyme, among others. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025

Full sun Soil Type: Moist and well-draining Soil pH: Neutral Learn More 02 of 10 Parsley Technically a biennial herb, parsley is usually grown as an annual. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025

Pricey culinary herbs such as basil, dill, mint and parsley are easy to grow. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025

Sauté bell pepper with onions, garlic, and parsley before adding to the bean mixture. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 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