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.
With spinach, basil, parsley, and cilantro, this vegan pasta can shine on its own or served as a side dish. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 Finish with extra lemon, parsley or fresh pea shoots before serving. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Swirl until melted and combined, then add parsley and season with salt as desired. — Martha Stewart, 21 June 2026 Combine garlic oil, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, black pepper, oregano and raisins. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 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

Rhymes for parsley

See All Rhymes for parsley

Browse Nearby Words

pars legitima
parsley
parsley camphor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parsley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parsley. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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.com: Encyclopedia article about parsley

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