parsley

noun

pars·​ley ˈpär-slē How to pronounce parsley (audio)
: 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
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 orzo, broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, oregano, parsley, and 1/2 cup of the feta. — ABC News, 25 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 Made with both fresh garlic and garlic powder, plus Parmesan, butter, and fresh parsley, the filling goes all in on the savory funk. — Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 Fresh Herbs Herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley lose their flavor and texture when frozen as-is. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parsley

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

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

Phrases Containing parsley

Rhymes for parsley

See All Rhymes for parsley

Browse Nearby Words

pars legitima
parsley
parsley camphor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

parsley

noun
pars·​ley ˈpär-slē How to pronounce parsley (audio)
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 How to pronounce parsley (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on parsley

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parsley

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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