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.

---

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

---

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

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

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

Fragrant with marjoram and parsley, it put a point on the ÖBB scoreboard.

From New York Times • Apr. 6, 2023

We loved the herby notes — Queen Sashy suggests marjoram or oregano if you can't find summer savory — and the crunchy layer of potatoes on top.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2022

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