oregano

noun

oreg·​a·​no ə-ˈre-gə-ˌnō How to pronounce oregano (audio)
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 oregano and season to taste with salt and pepper. Gretchen McKay, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024 Canned diced tomatoes: Adding cans of seasoned tomatoes—chiles for some heat, and basil, garlic, and oregano for an Italian-leaning casserole—is a quick and cheap way to pack your beef casseroles with plenty of flavor. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024 For outdoor cultivation, opt for drought-tolerant herbs like oregano and sage planted in well-draining soil and positioned in areas with partial shade to mitigate intense sun exposure. The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024 When tomatoes begin to sweat red and break down, add oregano by crushing between palms and rubbing back and forth. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024 Grandma’s recipe contains San Marzano tomatoes, caramelized onions and a hint of oregano. Jill Wendholt Silva and Tyler Fox, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 Add the garlic, oregano, thyme and red pepper flakes. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024 Most stem from the marinade on which Nina’s menu was also built: an infusion of lime juice, onions, garlic, oregano and other spices. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Use a fork to crush the eggplant in the pan to a chunky consistency, then add the tomatoes and the teaspoon of fresh oregano. Emily Horton, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oregano.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of oregano was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near oregano

Cite this Entry

“Oregano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oregano. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

oregano

noun
oreg·​a·​no ə-ˈreg-ə-ˌnō How to pronounce oregano (audio)
plural oreganos
: a bushy mint with leaves used as a seasoning and a source of a fragrant oil

More from Merriam-Webster on oregano

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