garlic

noun

gar·lic ˈgär-lik

: a European allium (Allium sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery

broadly : allium

: a bulb of garlic

garlicky

ˈgär-li-kē

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.

Fresh fish and seafood are the menu's stars, with waiters proudly announcing the catch of the day, but there is also fresh pasta, served al dente with fresh garlic pesto or vine-ripe tomatoes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 The sustainable spice company adds the vibrant zing of sumac to a blend of lemon powder, black peppercorns, sea salt, garlic, and thyme. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026 There's a final drizzle of Domino's signature garlic seasoning before it's cut into two generous slices. — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Juicy heirloom tomatoes, garlic, briny olives, bright vinegar, and fresh herbs come together in a delicious, zesty sauce. — Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Garlic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garlic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

garlic

noun

gar·lic ˈgär-lik

: 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

adjective

Medical Definition

garlic

noun

gar·lic ˈgär-lik

: 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

garlic

noun

Examples of garlic in a Sentence

Word History

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Medical Definition

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garlic

noun

Examples of garlic in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing garlic

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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