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

In a large bowl or resealable bag, mix together ¼ cup shiro (white) miso, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup shoyu (soy sauce), ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup beer, any kind, 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated, and 2 tsp. —Sheldon Simeon, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026

The chicken breasts are cooked with a ginger-garlic mixture that is also used to amp up the dressing. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026

The other is aji amarillo, a creamier, milder, pale yellow sauce fragrant with oregano and garlic. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Stir together the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and black pepper in the base of a slow cooker. —Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 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