mugwort

noun

mug·​wort ˈməg-ˌwərt 

-wȯrt

1

: any of several artemisias

especially : a Eurasian perennial herb (Artemisia vulgaris) that is naturalized in North America and has aromatic leaves used in folk medicine and to flavor beverages

2

: the leaves of a mugwort compare moxa

Examples of mugwort in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The blend—featuring blue lotus, mugwort, and damiana—draws on botanicals traditionally used to ease the mind, ground the body, and soothe the nervous system. —Martine Thompson, Essence, 5 June 2025

Use candles, incense, crystals, or natural elements like flowers or herbs (mugwort and lavender pair beautifully). —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 20 May 2025

Plants like mugwort, gentian, and pine are grown on site and used to produce gins, fortified wines, and other spirits and liqueurs. —Agnish Ray, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025

As the sky turns purple-ish, Ellen cheerily serves foraged nettle and spinach soup; chanterelle, ricotta and sage ravioli; and a creamy take on the local dessert of blueberries with milk and sugar, washed down with schnapps infused with mugwort and dill. —Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English mucgwyrt, from mucg- (perhaps akin to Old English mycg midge) + wyrt wort

First Known Use

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