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

The dish usually centers on vinegar, garlic, black pepper and soy sauce. —Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025

Stir in chiles, honey, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025

Both can be purchased on subscription, which gets you 5% off the regular oil and 15% off the garlic. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 May 2025

Cook, spreading the garlic into the skillet with the back of a spoon, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. —Cathy Thomas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 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