rosemary

noun

rose·​mary ˈrōz-ˌmer-ē 

plural rosemaries

: a fragrant shrubby Mediterranean mint (Salvia rosmarinus synonym Rosmarinus officinalis) having grayish-green needlelike leaves used as a seasoning

also : the leaves of rosemary

Examples of rosemary in a Sentence

The recipe calls for a tablespoon of rosemary.

Recent Examples on the Web

On the other hand, essential oils are extracted from flowers, leaves, and stems (like rosemary and castor oil). —Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024

After shaking and straining lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin into a glass, top with bubbly and garnish with lemon peel and a sprig of rosemary. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024

The flavor combination behind this springtime dessert — a sweet, lemony cake featuring a hint of rosemary — may sound surprising, but food writer Lidey Heuck, who learned to develop recipes from working with Ina Garten for more than six years, asks for your trust. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024

Pour into a serving cup and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 26 Jan. 2024

In a small bowl, mix the rosemary with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. —The Week Uk, theweek, 7 Jan. 2024

The inclusion of plants and herbs, such as lavender, basil and rosemary, adds a touch of Earth's natural beauty to the space lounge. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 6 Jan. 2024

This pasta is full of bold flavors, combining rosemary with garlic, lemon and Gorgonzola and parmesan cheeses. —Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024

Garnishes such as orange or lemon zest, or even a sprig of herbs like thyme or rosemary, can enhance the drink's aromatic qualities and potentially pair well with certain foods. —Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rosemarye, rosemary, folk-etymological alteration of rosmaryn, rosmarine, borrowed from Anglo-French rosemaryn, borrowed from Latin rōsmarīnum, rōs marīnus, literally "sea dew," from rōr-, rōs "dew" + marīnus "of the sea, marine entry 1"; rōr-, rōs going back to Indo-European *h₁rōs-, *h₁ros- "dew, juice" (whence also Old Church Slavic rosa "dew," Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian ròsa, accusative rȍsu, Lithuanian rasà, Sanskrit rásaḥ "juice, liquid"), probably derivative from the verbal base *h₁ers- "stream, flow," whence Sanskrit árṣati "(it) flows," Hittite ārašzi, aršanzi

Note: The element rōs in the Latin compound may represent Greek rhoûs "sumac," conformed to rōr-, rōs "dew" by folk etymology.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rosemary

noun

rose·​mary ˈrōz-ˌmer-ē 

: a fragrant shrubby mint with grayish green needlelike leaves used as a seasoning

also : the leaves of rosemary

Etymology

an altered form of Middle English rosmarine "rosemary," from Latin rosmarinus, literally, "dew of the sea," from ros "dew" and marinus "of the sea"

Medical Definition

rosemary

noun

rose·​mary ˈrōz-ˌmer-ē 

plural rosemaries

: a fragrant shrubby mint (Salvia rosmarinus synonym Rosmarinus officinalis) of southern Europe and Asia Minor that is the source of rosemary oil and was formerly used medicinally as a stimulant and carminative