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 This is a cool white garden, the steps from the yard to the front door set off by dark yews, puffs of white snowberries and cow parsley in long grass, white-flowering hydrangea bushes, and a white rambling rector rose sprawling up the walls. Plum Sykes, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2024 When brushed with butter, the biscuits turn a beautiful golden brown, and the fresh parsley leaves add a touch of color. Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2024 In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2024 Sprinkle with Parmesan, remaining scallion greens and remaining parsley. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for parsley 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parsley.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near parsley

Cite this Entry

“Parsley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parsley. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

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

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