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

Sauté mushrooms and garlic: Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil, mushrooms, and salt to same skillet; cook over medium-high, stirring often, until mushrooms begin to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025

Blend Sauce While pasta is cooking, in a blender or food processor, combine milk, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, cornstarch and garlic. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025

Adding an onion, a few cloves of garlic, a spoonful of peppercorns, and a bay leaf won’t hurt, but be judicious with seasonings. —Alexis Deboschnek, Bon Appétit, 5 Feb. 2025

Toss with a simple sauce of low-sodium soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 3 Feb. 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