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.
Its leaves resemble those of parsley, its botanical cousin. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024 The five razor-sharp blades make quick slicing a breeze for green onions, parsley, and even lettuce. —Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024 Serve, without draining marinating liquid, and garnish with fresh dill or parsley. —Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024 Step 6: Remove from heat, divide into four plates, and top each plate with a tablespoon of parsley. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near parsley

pars legitima

parsley

parsley camphor

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Parsley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parsley. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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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

Nglish: Translation of parsley for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of parsley for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parsley

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