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

This easy version features onion and bell pepper and is spiced with garlic, cumin, and oregano. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026

Antioxidant-rich spices include cloves, allspice, mint leaves, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Jan. 2026

Also, some herbs planted from seed can become perennial in your garden or containers, including thyme, oregano, chives, and rosemary (which needs to be brought indoors for overwintering). —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 6 Jan. 2026

Add the garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 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