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

Its leaves resemble those of parsley, its botanical cousin. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024

The five razor-sharp blades make quick slicing a breeze for green onions, parsley, and even lettuce. —Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

Serve, without draining marinating liquid, and garnish with fresh dill or parsley. —Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024

Step 6: Remove from heat, divide into four plates, and top each plate with a tablespoon of parsley. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 22 Oct. 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