marjoram

American  

[mahr-jer-uhm] / ˈmɑr dʒər əm /

noun

marjorams plural

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Origanum, of the mint family, especially O. majorana sweet marjoram, having leaves used as seasoning in cooking.

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marjoram British  

/ ˈmɑːdʒərəm /

noun

1. Also called: sweet marjoram.  an aromatic Mediterranean plant, Origanum (or Marjorana ) hortensis, with small pale purple flowers and sweet-scented leaves, used for seasoning food and in salads: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

2. Also called: wild marjoram.   pot marjoram.   origan.  a similar and related European plant, Origanum vulgare See also oregano origanum

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• marjorams
  plural

Etymology

Origin of marjoram

1350–1400; Middle English majorane < Medieval Latin majorana, variant of majoraca, alteration of Latin amāracus < Greek amā́rakos marjoram

Compare meaning

How does marjoram compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• marjoram vs. oregano

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

marjoram marjorams

Depending on the season, fields are filled with a variety of greens, cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes and peppers, while herbs like basil, black sage, rosemary and marjoram perfume the gardens.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2026

Its spicy aromatic oils echo marjoram, oregano, thyme and mint.

From Salon ● Jan. 31, 2024

Make the easiest herb dip ever by mixing ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream and ½ cup chopped mixed fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, chervil and parsley.

From Washington Times ● Nov. 30, 2023

He said smaller leaf herbs don’t do as well and these are things such as thyme, oregano, savory and marjoram.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 25, 2023

I’m not lying, she had the hostas, the ferns, and the sweet marjoram planted before I got back with the bridal wreath, and the bridal wreath planted before I got back with the roses.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt

Under a hawthorn, ruby-gemmed in May,     A bank of marjorams lie at their ease; Here, lad's-love sigh their fragrant hearts away,     Whilst rippling lieds of water never cease.

From The Dales of Arcady by Ratcliffe, Dorothy Una