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

Top with optional shredded cheese and fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 3 Feb. 2025

Moreover, myrcene is a natural component of mangoes, citrus juices, cardamom, and herbs including basil, parsley and wild thyme. —Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025

Add dill, parsley, lemon zest, pepper and salt; toss until evenly combined. 3. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

This year’s design includes a 55-foot replica of the USS Princeton aircraft carrier, a Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter made of seaweed and parsley, a laptop with a working QR code that will provide information for the nonprofit and a pyrotechnic feature. —Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 31 Dec. 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

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