Garlic Definition Garlic Definition 1

Garlic (noun) is a bulb consisting of several smaller parts that have a sharp, specific taste and a distinct aroma, for which it is especially prized in cooking, used both raw and in stewed or fried form.

Garlic has occupied a special place in medicine for many centuries due to the allicin it contains, which gives it properties that help fight harmful fungi and bacteria.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈɡɑː.lɪk/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Garlic”?

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Tips for pronunciation: 

The first syllable should be emphasized with stress and the open “a” sound should be slightly extended. And do not add any sounds between these syllables!

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Examples: How to Use “Garlic” in a Sentence?

To become more familiar with the word garlic in its context of commonly used words and to know how to use it correctly, explore the following phrases.

Don’t add too much garlic. It can make the dish too strong.

Many people don’t like garlic. I don’t understand them.

Some stores sell garlic in small mesh bags.

Try this garlic sauce. I promise you’ll love it.

One clove of garlic looks bad. When did you buy it?

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Garlic”?

This term is quite difficult to find exact synonyms; however, due to its shape, the word garlic is often substituted for bulb or clove. Despite that, they should not be used as absolute replacements.

Related nouns: clove bulbherb seasoning

Synonyms (contextual): This noun is specific.

Common collocations: peel garlic crush garlic chop garlic garlic bread garlic sauce

“Garlic” Word Formation and Description in Context

Now that you’re all about the meaning of garlic, let’s dive into how it’s usually thrown around in everyday lingo, especially when it comes to cooking!

With adjectives: fresh garlic crushed garlic minced garlic roasted garlic

With verbs: peel garlic chop garlic crush garlic add garlic roast garlic

With nouns (noun + noun): garlic clove garlic bread garlic sauce garlic powder garlic smell

Idioms and Phrases with “Garlic”

We have some interesting phrases that show this vegetable from a slightly different side and will convince you that garlic is not as trivial as you thought! Want a couple of cool phrases? They are already posted below!

  • Chicken feathers and garlic skin — when talking about something that has no value, like the peel left over from garlic.

      It’s stupid to quarrel over such nonsense; it’s truly chicken feathers and garlic skin.
  • You got garlic in your soul — used to describe a person who is unpleasant, mean, and lacking in kindness.

      I don’t want to deal with you, you’ve got a garlic in your soul!

Test Your Knowledge of Garlic Meaning – Quiz Time!

Now you are aware of the garlic description. We filled you in on the definition, so let’s challenge your brain with some exercises to nail down the writing!

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
Garlic is not smelly.
2
Garlic adds a strong flavor to many dishes.
3
Some people use garlic for its health benefits.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these chaotic words in order:
1
always
I
garlic
add
to
pasta
2
doesn’t
She
the
like
of
smell
garlic
3
some
bought
garlic
We
the
market
at
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning to the word garlic:
1
What is garlic used for?
2
What does garlic usually look like?
3
Which meal often contains garlic?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Garlic” Word in Other Languages

Do you know how to say garlic in other languages? We collected some variations below:

Language Word for “Garlic”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Ajo
Flag French French   Ail
Flag German German   Knoblauch

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Garlic”

This go-to ingredient you find in every kitchen is key for sauces and savory recipes all around the world, plus it’s got some interesting backstory in both cooking and health habits.

  • For millennia, garlic has been utilized in cooking and for its therapeutic properties.

    Historical facts that have reached us convince us that garlic was known in Ancient Egypt, and even the builders of the pyramids used it to increase strength and endurance. I wonder if it is called the same as garlic in English.
  • The pungent smell and beneficial properties that garlic is so famous for are given to the vegetable by a compound called allicin.

    However, to benefit from allicin’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, the garlic will need to be chopped, crushed, or chewed.
  • According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization China is the world’s top garlic producer.

    In 2022, China produced 21,337,798 metric tonnes of garlic, which represented 73% of the world’s total production.
  • Garlic was even used as a performance enhancer in the ancient Olympic Games.

    Greek athletes consumed it as one of the earliest recorded “sports supplements.

Famous Quotes Featuring “garlic”

Let’s make the description of garlic more accomplished by exploring how often it is mentioned in the sayings of famous scientists and eminent people.

“Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good.”

— Alice May Brock (of ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ fame)

Explanation: This expression, written by an American restaurateur, artist and author, fully reveals the vast influence of garlic as a seasoning in any cuisine of the world, no matter how complex or sophisticated.

“There are many miracles in the world to be celebrated and, for me, garlic is the most deserving.”

— Felice Leonardo (Leo) Buscaglia

Explanation: The professor, motivational speaker and writer certainly knew a thing or two about such things, because he was known as “Dr. Love” and with this phrase he wanted to emphasize that even such small and insignificant things at first glance can add color to the gray everyday life.

“Not me, paranoia’s the garlic in life’s kitchen, right, you can never have too much.”

Thomas Pynchon

Explanation: If this eminent author compares garlic as a hot spice with the amazing events in life that make our existence interesting and rich.