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

On top, leeks braised in butter, the freshest asparagus and sauce verte made from mint, tarragon and parsley. —Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026

This Italian salsa verde is a traditional herb sauce made with parsley, garlic, and capers. —Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 24 Apr. 2026

Herb Stems The stems of tender fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, basil, mint, and dill taste just as incredible—and sometimes even more powerfully herbaceous—than the leaves. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026

Recipes vary by family, brand, and restaurant, but the formula generally includes pork, liver, rice, onions, and fresh parsley, plus dry seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper, and salt. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026

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