rosemary

¹

[ rohz-mair-ee, -muh-ree ]

noun

, plural rose·mar·ies.

1. an evergreen shrub, Rosmarinus officinalis, of the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region, having leathery, narrow leaves and pale-blue, bell-shaped flowers, used as a seasoning and in perfumery and medicine: a traditional symbol of remembrance.

Rosemary

²

[ rohz-mair-ee, -muh-ree ]

noun

1. a female given name.

rosemary

/ ˈrəʊzmərɪ /

noun

1. an aromatic European shrub, Rosmarinus officinalis , widely cultivated for its grey-green evergreen leaves, which are used in cookery for flavouring and yield a fragrant oil used in the manufacture of perfumes: family Lamiaceae (labiates). It is the traditional flower of remembrance

Word History and Origins

Origin of rosemary¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English rose mary (by folk etymology, influenced by rose ¹ and the name Mary ), from Latin rōs “dew” + marīnus “marine,” or rōs maris “dew of the sea” (in English the final -s mistaken for plural sign)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rosemary¹

C15: earlier rosmarine , from Latin rōs dew + marīnus marine; modern form influenced by folk etymology, as if rose ¹+ Mary

Example Sentences

After Rosemary offers me some tea, I sit down on the couch with Downey Sr. to discuss his astonishing life, and career.

From The Daily Beast

Today all of “these girls are living their lives in dignity, using needles and sewing machines,” said Sister Rosemary.

From The Daily Beast

Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe is a nun of the Sacred Heart who rescues young girls from sexual slavery and rebel attacks in Uganda.

From The Daily Beast

In April 2013, Travis County's District Attorney, Rosemary Lehmberg was arrested for and pleaded guilty to driving while drunk.

From The Daily Beast

He seems undaunted at tackling a number previously vocalized by the likes of Nat King Cole, Rosemary Clooney, and Sammy Davis Jr.

From The Daily Beast

Rosemary shook her head doubtfully, and her falling hair of pale, shimmering gold waved like a wheat-field shaken by a breeze.

From Project Gutenberg

Rosemary flitted about like a will o' the wisp, and finally went to the window, where she stood looking wistfully out.

From Project Gutenberg

Little thrills of excitement running from Rosemary's fingers to her toes felt like vibrating wires.

From Project Gutenberg

"I do think Angel would surely want me to go, if she knew," thought Rosemary.

From Project Gutenberg

Now an automobile was a marvellous dragon for Rosemary, and she could never see too many for her pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg