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

Sprinkle with a few generous pinches of oregano and garnish with the mint leaves. —Randy Graham, Oc Register, 20 May 2025

Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. 2: Add the water, beans (with their liquid), tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes, if using, and stir to combine. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025

Herbs: Herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, lavender, chives, oregano, and chamomile can all be used as companion plants to deter fruit tree pests like the codling moth. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025

This alcohol-free, fluoride-free and preservative-free formula is infused with the natural goodness of peppermint, spearmint, cardamom, fennel, clove, oregano and tea tree oils. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 1 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