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

These include tomato paste, cumin, onion and garlic powders, and chile pepper. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 16 Jan. 2025

Add fried tofu, celery, ginger, chile, green onion, soy sauce, crunchy garlic and sesame oil to pan. —Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 15 Jan. 2025

Add garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper to beef mixture in pot; cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is aromatic, about 2 minutes. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. —Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 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