marjoram

American  

[mahr-jer-uhm] / ˈmɑr dʒər əm /

noun

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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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

Only eight months into production, Ditto Foods is growing herbs for the holidays such as sage, thyme, rosemary and marjoram.

From Seattle Times

The recipe has been the exact same the entire time, consisting of no salt and a mixture of rosemary, oregano, sage, ginger, marjoram, thyme and pepper.

From Salon

Our family called it “Greek oregano,” but when I tried to grow my own years later, I discovered that it was actually a type of marjoram.

From Los Angeles Times

Note: Za’atar is a spice blend that has varying recipes, but is generally a combination of dried oregano, thyme and/or marjoram, with sumac and toasted sesame seeds, and sometimes with salt.

From Seattle Times

In a large bowl or container, stir together 5 of the grated garlic cloves, half the lemon zest, 1/3 cup yogurt, the cilantro, oil, za’atar, oregano or marjoram, salt and black pepper.

From Seattle Times