garlic

noun

gar·​lic ˈgär-lik How to pronounce garlic (audio)
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 How to pronounce garlic (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Add the cauliflower, broccoli, and sweet potato to the prepared sheet pan, drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, and a couple cracks of black pepper. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Funky black garlic hides within that mushroom melange, and the pie arrives dotted with a dramatic, dark tamarind sauce. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 These steak kebabs are marinated in an easy garlic, Fresno chile, coconut cream, and cilantro-lime sauce for four to 12 hours to really ensure each piece of steak is infused with flavor. — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026 In this recipe, the sauce is made by beating egg yolks while slowly adding oil, along with onion, parsley, garlic, pepper, and vinegar. — Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for garlic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of garlic was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing garlic

Browse Nearby Words

garlandless
garlic
garlic bread
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Garlic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garlic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

garlic

noun
gar·​lic ˈgär-lik How to pronounce garlic (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce garlic (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

garlic

noun
gar·​lic ˈgär-lik How to pronounce garlic (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on garlic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about garlic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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