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

Weed pollen from ragweed, thistle, sagebrush, and mugwort typically peaks later in summer and early fall, with the highest weed pollen levels expected across the Rockies this year. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 4 Mar. 2026

Calming Medicinal Botanicals Korean insiders know that soothing ingredients such as mugwort extract and Centella asiatica (commonly referred to as cica) still reign supreme in K-Beauty to help treat inflamed or sensitive skin. —Charlotte Cho, Allure, 1 Mar. 2026

The mugwort brioche, served with butter disguised as a raspberry, was delicious. —Leandra Beabout, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026

While acids like salicylic and gluconolactone resurface and clarify skin, botanicals like mugwort and cica (and many of its compounds, such as madecassoside and asiaticoside) work to quell redness, irritation, and inflammation, leaving behind calmer-looking skin with every cleanse. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026

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