wormwood

American  

[wurm-wood] / ˈwɜrmˌwʊd /

noun

1. any composite herb or low shrub of the genus Artemisia.

2. a bitter, aromatic plant, A. absinthium, of the Old World, used as a vermifuge and a tonic, and as an ingredient in absinthe.

3. something bitter, grievous, or extremely unpleasant.

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wormwood British  

/ ˈwɜːmˌwʊd /

noun

1. Also called: absinthe.  any of various plants of the chiefly N temperate genus Artemisia, esp A. absinthium, a European plant yielding a bitter extract used in making absinthe: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. something that embitters, such as a painful experience

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Etymology

Origin of wormwood

1350–1400; late Middle English wormwode ( worm, wood ¹ ); replacing Middle English wermode, Old English wermōd; cognate with German Wermut; vermouth

Compare meaning

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

• mugwort vs. wormwood

Example Sentences

Once described by comedian John Hodgeman as tasting of “pencil shavings and heartbreak,” Jeppson’s Malört is a polarizing wormwood and anise-flavored liqueur that’s kind of a secret handshake among Chicagoans.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2024

Basil, mint, thyme, geraniums, marigolds, wormwood and citronella all add a little flair to your garden while also repelling pests such as wasps.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2023

After adding dry vermouth and wormwood bitters, Muir shakes and strains the drink and garnishes it with a fir sprig.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2023

The field wormwood plants grow on one of the tiniest reserves in England in Brandon, Suffolk.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2021

‘If the rowan leaves and the pouch couldn’t hide the river eyes,’ he said, ‘why do you think bark and wormwood can do any better?’

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver