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

How to Make, Use, and Reuse Ina Garten's Chicken Stock Garten’s chicken stock features fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and parsnips to add levels of flavor, while herbs like thyme, parsley, dill, and garlic lend depth and freshness to the stock. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024

Top it with cheese, and flavor it with parsley, oregano, or your preferred seasonings. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Just before serving, stir in lemon juice and remaining parsley. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024

The Lego Icons Wildflower Bouquet includes 16 adjustable stems and features eight species of wildflowers, including cornflower, lavender, Welsh poppies, lupins, larkspurs, gerbera daisies, cow parsley, and leatherleaf ferns. —Nneya Richards, Parents, 5 Nov. 2024

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