parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

: a European biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family widely grown for its finely dissected curly or flat leaves which are used as an herb or garnish

also : the leaves

Examples of parsley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

About the Soup Drops Unlike traditional sweet or menthol-flavored hard candies, Progresso Soup Drops include a savory combination of broth, veggies, egg noodles, and even hints of parsley. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025

Each drop has flavors of broth, chicken, vegetables, soft egg noodles, and a hint of parsley. —Terry Dickerson, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025

One side is green from parsley and the other is red from a blend of chilis. —Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Many Mediterranean herbs appreciate staying relatively cool during winter, such as rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, savory, oregano, bay leaf, and parsley. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English persely, from Old English petersilie, from Vulgar Latin *petrosilium, alteration of Latin petroselinum, from Greek petroselinon, from petros stone + selinon celery

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing parsley

• Chinese parsley
• fool's parsley
• giant cow parsley
• Italian parsley

Kids Definition

parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

plural parsleys

: a European herb related to the carrot and widely grown for its finely divided leaves which are used to season or decorate foods

also : the leaves

Medical Definition

parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē 

: a southern European annual or biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family having leaves which are used as a culinary herb or garnish and a root and seeds which have been used medicinally