English · Word Candidate

garlic

/ˈɡɑːlɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: garlics · garlicking · garlicked

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A plant, Allium sativum, related to the onion, having a pungent bulb much used in cooking.

Noun

Examples

Athletes' use of herbal supplements has skyrocketed in the past two decades. At the top of the list of popular herbs are echinacea and ginseng, whereas garlic, St. John's wort, soybean, ephedra and others are also surging in popularity or have been historically prevalent.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A preparation from Allium sativum used as a food ingredient or the flavor or other characteristics of such an ingredient.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To flavor with garlic.

Verb

Examples

[…]then through the sunned gathering of her marjoram and sweet basil from the herb garden, reading of book reviews in the latest Scientific American, into the layering of a lasagna, garlicking of a bread, tearing up of romaine leaves, eventually, oven on, into the mixing of the twilight's whisky sou

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “garlic” mean?

A plant, Allium sativum, related to the onion, having a pungent bulb much used in cooking.

Is “garlic” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.