oregano

noun

oreg·​a·​no ə-ˈre-gə-ˌnō 

1

: a bushy perennial mint (Origanum vulgare) with leaves that are used as a seasoning and a source of aromatic oil

called also origanum, wild marjoram

2

: any of several plants (genera Lippia and Coleus) other than oregano of the vervain or mint families

Examples of oregano in a Sentence

The recipe calls for a tablespoon of chopped oregano.

Recent Examples on the Web

Incidentally, oregano and marjoram are both from the same genus with marjoram being sweeter than oregano. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025

In a Dutch oven, heat the oil, butter, bouillon base, garlic powder, chile flakes, basil and oregano over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until quite fragrant. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 31 Dec. 2024

The smell of lime and oregano mixes with the faint aroma of beer as the sound of banda music fills the basement space. —Mayolo López Gutiérrez, NPR, 1 Jan. 2025

Season with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander and oregano. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish orégano, from Spanish, wild marjoram, from Latin origanum — more at origanum

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oregano

noun

oreg·​a·​no ə-ˈreg-ə-ˌnō 

plural oreganos

: a bushy mint with leaves used as a seasoning and a source of a fragrant oil