rosemary

¹ American  

[rohz-mair-ee, -muh-ree] / ˈroʊzˌmɛər i, -mə ri /

noun

plural

rosemaries

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.

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Rosemary ² American  

[rohz-mair-ee, -muh-ree] / ˈroʊzˌmɛər i, -mə ri /

noun

1. a female given name.

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rosemary British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of rosemary

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)

Example Sentences

Options already exist for fixing dyes without lead, including natural mordants derived from plants rich in tannins, such as oak bark, pomegranate peel and rosemary, as well as alum, which is considered environmentally safe.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

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

In 2020, the company rolled out rosemary focaccia, which remains on the menu.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

Squares of focaccia, still plush in the center and flecked with rosemary and fat flakes of sea salt.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

Around noon a woman brought them bread and olives, and toward evening there was pasta smelling of fresh rosemary.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke