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

Harvest home grown oregano in spring or early summer and hang cuttings to dry, then store the foliage for year-round use. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

Planting oregano and sage together in the same bed or pot can streamline plant care since these two herbs have the same basic care needs and don’t need much water. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025

Add Herbs & Spices: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano work well in rubs. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 6 May 2025

Add green and red bell peppers, onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and smoked paprika. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 May 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