tarragon

[tar-uh-gon, -guhn]

noun

1. an Old World plant, Artemisia dracunculus, having aromatic leaves used for seasoning.

2. the leaves themselves.

tarragon

/ ˈtærəɡən /

noun

1. an aromatic perennial plant, Artemisia dracunculus, of the Old World, having whitish flowers and small toothed leaves, which are used as seasoning: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. the leaves of this plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarragon¹

1530–40; earlier taragon < Middle French targon, variant of tarc ( h ) on < Medieval Latin < Medieval Greek tarchṓn < Arabic ṭarkhūn < Greek drákōn literally, dragon; compare Latin dracunculus tarragon

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarragon¹

C16: from Old French targon, from Medieval Latin tarcon, from Arabic tarkhūn, perhaps from Greek drakontion adderwort

Example Sentences

But also mint, dill, parsley, tarragon if you’re a chaos agent.

From Salon

But their fried chicken sandwich — made with crumbed chicken schnitzel, tarragon butter, lettuce and housemade pickle mayo on a steamed potato bun — is their bestseller.

From Salon

If you want to branch out, their other flavors are banging and just as unique: the fennel tarragon crème honey, for instance, is a game-changer on a cheese board.

From Salon

Add fennel, shallot, a touch of honey, bright lemon and a blend of tarragon and fennel fronds, and it becomes the perfect Greek-Italian mash-up to welcome spring.

From Salon

If you’re a drinker, mix pernod with tarragon for a complementary flavor profile.

From Salon