oregano

American  

[uh-reg-uh-noh, aw-reg-] / əˈrɛg əˌnoʊ, ɔˈrɛg- /

noun

• oreganos
  plural

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

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oregano British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• oreganos
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of oregano

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

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Compare meaning

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

• marjoram vs. oregano

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oregano oreganos

Change the herbs accordingly: chives and parsley are excellent with giardiniera, while Mexican-style pickled carrots practically beg for cilantro and oregano.

From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026

She also grows oregano and lemongrass, with which she brews into a tea to soothe stomach issues.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

Combine with the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, herbs and lemon zest.

From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2026

You can also use an Italian seasoning blend, which incorporates dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme leaves, dried parsley, garlic powder and red pepper flakes.

From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2026

It felt good to have Mami so close, so warm, swathed by her softness, her smell of wood smoke and oregano.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

The lineup usually includes chives, tarragon, dill, marjoram, savory, some oreganos, mints, a few types of basil and boatloads of cilantro and parsley.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 5, 2019

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