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

Some relatively cold-tolerant herbs such as parsley, cilantro, chervil, chives, dill and oregano, can be planted outdoors in mid-spring. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025

Add the oregano and crushed red pepper, stirring for a few seconds to bloom them and open up their flavors. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025

Add fresh herbs like parsley and oregano, flaky salt, black pepper, and a cup or so of red wine. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025

The distinctive flavor of oregano grows more pronounced the hotter and drier its growing conditions and is typically best just prior to flowering. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for oregano

• adagio
• altiplano
• arapaho
• arapahoe
• manifesto
• medicago
• minangkabau
• ostinato
• pistachio
• politico
• portfolio
• presidio

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