oregano

[uh-reg-uh-noh, aw-reg‑]

noun

1. an aromatic herb, Origanum vulgare, of the mint family, having leaves used as seasoning in cooking.

oregano

/ ˌɒrɪˈɡɑːnəʊ /

noun

1. a Mediterranean variety of wild marjoram ( Origanum vulgare ), with pungent leaves

2. the dried powdered leaves of this plant, used to season food

Word History and Origins

Origin of oregano¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from Spanish orégano : “wild marjoram,” from Latin orīganum. See origan

Word History and Origins

Origin of oregano¹

C18: American Spanish, from Spanish, from Latin orīganum, from Greek origanon an aromatic herb, perhaps marjoram

Example Sentences

I scan the little slots until I find mine: a refill of Greek oregano, parceled out in a plastic baggie with a heat-sealed strip.

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Fat for richness, vinegar for tang, honey to round it out, oregano to sharpen.

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With his chakras aligned, the wind rippling his thick blond fur and smelling of pungent, earthy oregano oil, Dug stood up, panting merrily, and stared directly into the L.A.

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His gumbo recipe, for example, calls for two pouches each of smoked clams, oysters and mackerel along with white rice, oregano, cumin and chile peppers.

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I also have a deep love for fresh herbs in my salads — coriander, dill, chives, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary and many others.

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