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

Between the garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika, this weeknight dinner definitely isn’t lacking in flavor. — Emily Laurence Sardinha, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026

The herbal, bright-green paste with garlic, lemon juice, pepper, oil and herbs such as curly parsley and rosemary is a staple in Haitian cuisine. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Both honey and garlic fall into the category of foods in which the bacteria can live, but under normal circumstances, the growth of spores would be inhibited, says Joy Gail Waite-Cusic, a professor of food safety at Oregon State University. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026

Foods rich in prebiotics include asparagus, oats, apples, and garlic, Rojas said. — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 27 Sep. 2026

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