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

Swap out extra-virgin olive oil for the butter; and dill and parsley for the basil and thyme. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2024

But those are just a few of the many ingredients: In addition to vegetables like carrots, broccoli, corn, and green bell pepper, there’s also mention of mustard seed, garlic, parsley, basil, chives, tomato paste, and white wine. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 7 Aug. 2024

Per the announcement, the recall now covers a range of other vegetables and herbs packed between July 5 and 12, including squash, cilantro, parsley, tomatillos, green beans, bell peppers, habanero peppers, and jalapeño peppers. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 23 July 2024

This dish is traditionally topped with parsley and olives. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 14 Sep. 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