hyssop

noun

hys·​sop ˈhi-səp 

1

: a plant used in purificatory sprinkling rites by the ancient Hebrews

2

: a European mint (Hyssopus officinalis) that has highly aromatic and pungent leaves and is sometimes used as a potherb

Examples of hyssop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ingredients are listed as organic coconut water, organic jasmine tea, organic raw honey, organic holy basil, organic anise hyssop, organic green cardamom, organic white grape juice and organic coconut milk. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

Pollinator-friendly plants like anise hyssop and hummingbird sage can enhance garden ecosystems. — The Spruce, 11 July 2026

This vibrant margarita is a vessel for spring herbs like lemon balm, anise hyssop, mint, and lemon verbena. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 2 July 2026

Just be sure to stop pruning by mid-summer, because late pruning makes anise hyssop more vulnerable to cold damage in the fall. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ysop, from Old English ysope, from Latin hyssopus, from Greek hyssōpos, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew ēzōbh hyssop

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

hyssop

noun

hys·​sop ˈhis-əp 

: a European mint (Hyssopus officinalis) having highly aromatic and pungent leaves that have been used to make a tea and as a stimulant and to relieve respiratory symptoms