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

The grain also imparts subtle herbal and grassy notes, typically described as dill, mint, parsley or even sage. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Arion ater slugs are especially damaging to crops of strawberries, potatoes, parsley and beans. —Suzy Khimm, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025

Whisk in the stock, increase the heat and bring to a boil and cook until the stock has reduced by half. 5: Whisk in the chunks of cream cheese, then fold in the turkey, peas, parsley and half of the cheese and half of the peppers. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025

Onion, parsley, corn, pepper, and parsnip seeds are relatively short-lived. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 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