oregano

noun

oreg·​a·​no ə-ˈre-gə-ˌnō How to pronounce oregano (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This lemon-oregano shrimp dish was my favorite of the bunch. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 June 2026 Instead, try growing scented plants and herbs that naturally deter ticks, like catnip, garlic and other alliums, lemongrass, lavender, geraniums, rosemary, thyme, oregano, citronella, wormwood, lemon balm, sage, bee balm, and marigolds. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026 Stir in the red-pepper flakes, oregano and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, just a few seconds. Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026 Flowers like tree blossoms (lilac, apple, crab apple, pear), violas, marigolds, dahlias and nasturtiums typically bloom first, followed by perennial herbs like thyme, oregano, and chives. Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for oregano

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of oregano was in 1771

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oregano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oregano. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

oregano

noun
oreg·​a·​no ə-ˈreg-ə-ˌnō How to pronounce oregano (audio)
plural oreganos
: a bushy mint with leaves used as a seasoning and a source of a fragrant oil

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