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

But this is one veggie side dish that makes eating your five-a-day fun, thanks to a boost from zippy Dijon vinaigrette, savory chicken broth, and verdant fresh parsley. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2025

Some relatively cold-tolerant herbs such as parsley, cilantro, chervil, chives, dill and oregano, can be planted outdoors in mid-spring. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025

Season the potato layer with a pinch of salt and plenty of black pepper and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley. —Emily St. Martin, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025

There are shrimp and pork siu mai ($9.50), Maine lobster siu mai ($17) and other dumpling and bao offerings, as well as popular shrimp garlic noodles ($21) served with mushrooms, chili flakes, parmesan and parsley. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 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

Rhymes for parsley

• sparsely

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