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

Add the garlic, oregano, basil, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme and oregano before serving. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, tomato paste, soy sauce and 1 tablespoon oregano. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025

Insalata Mista with red wine vinegar, frantoia olive oil and oregano follows with Pietradolce Rampante ’20. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 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