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

The farm in the mountains south of Fayetteville grows nine different varieties of lettuce, including red and green varieties of Bibb, Oakleaf and Sweet Crisp lettuces, romaine, arugula, kale, bok choy, microgreens, as well as herbs like basil, thyme and oregano. —Cristina Larue, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025

Offered by the slice only, the Milpitas exclusive is the True Italian, a New York thin-crust pizza topped with pesto, mozzarella, garlic, tomato, Romano cheese, oregano and garlic oil, with the option to add goat cheese, ricotta cheese and hot honey. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

Chock-full of flavor, thanks to savory spices such as ancho chile powder, cumin, and oregano, the cubed brisket and black beans combine to create a satisfying and filling meal for your hungry family. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025

The signature bowl, which includes Rancho Gordo heirloom beans, poblano peppers, burrata, Parmesan, oregano and sourdough bread in its autumn iteration, is now $17 instead of its original $21. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 30 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