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

In areas where soil is richer, LoRusso points to basil, dill, parsley, fennel, and chevril. —Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 2 May 2026

Creamy Caesar dressing, cucumber, tomatoes, croutons, and parsley make this simple salad recipe one guests will easily recognize and enjoy. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

See our guide to storing herbs to learn the best way to freeze everything from parsley and sage to rosemary and dill. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026

The third course is dover sole meunière accompanied by potato pavé, spring ramps, snow peas and parsley oil. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 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