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

Add olive oil to coat the bottom and then add the yellow onion and garlic. —Claudia Alexander, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

Garlic: Finely mince four cloves of garlic to flavor the potatoes. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. —Renu Dhar, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024

The funghi-forward option stacks roasted mushrooms, bacon, Muenster cheese and creamy garlic spread on top of a beefy patty. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

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