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.
The restaurant was best known for its sandwiches filled with Korean BBQ meat in between garlic-fried-rice buns. — Emma Hall august 5, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Mash 2-3 tablespoons of roasted garlic into a paste and whisk into the mayonnaise along with the lemon juice. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 The result was a blend of tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, mustard, horseradish, lemon juice, onions, garlic, peppers, hickory smoke, spices and salt. — Evan Moore august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026 Refrigerators were packed with jars of pickled chiles, ginger, garlic, and guava. — Alicia Erickson, Travel + Leisure, 4 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 12 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of garlic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about garlic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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