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 crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper; bring to a boil over medium-high. — Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

Spring brings wildflowers to the mountain, while summer fills its alpine meadows with flowering herbs like oregano and thyme. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil and season with salt, pepper and oregano. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Other herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, and thyme, offer antioxidants and phenolic compounds that may also help lower inflammation. — Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 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
• fortissimo
• manifesto
• 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