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

Round out the flavors with plenty of garlic and lemon juice. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025

Toss well and return to the oven once more for just a few minutes, until the butter has completely melted and the garlic is fragrant. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025

Onions and garlic are planted in fall or early spring, as soon as soil can be worked. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025

Lunch: lentils with potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaf, tomato, bell pepper, and olive oil. —Ana Morales, Vogue, 5 Apr. 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