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

But in a 2018 case study, a woman experienced severe skin burns that blistered after rubbing raw garlic on her toes to treat athlete's foot. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025

Stir together herbs, capers, pickles, pickle brine, scallions, chile, garlic, and remaining 5 tablespoons olive oil in a small bowl. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025

Per Report Social Security Changes Position On Controversial Phone Service Cuts Directions Sweat onion, leeks, garlic and fennel in butter until soft. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

One of the many gifts of sobriety is realizing that ordering a Papa John’s pepperoni pizza with extra garlic sauce at two in the morning is not only unhealthy but a classic red flag. —John Devore, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 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