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 Mediterranean branzino with bright chimichurri, citrus slices and fresh oregano came with Carson to Cerdito Muerto. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

For gardeners with lower humidity, ornamental oregano makes a stunning solo planting. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026

The two original styles are Margherita — San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella di bufala and basil — and marinara, the same sauce with olive oil, garlic and oregano. —The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026

Whiteflies, aphids, and nematodes are all likely to stay away from your oregano plants when marigolds are planted nearby. —Heather Bien, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026

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