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 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 That includes things such as the aforementioned rosemary and oregano, but also sage, lavender and lemon verbena. Alex Groves, Orange County Register, 30 Jan. 2024 Crushed oregano, for example, can contain 300 or more insect bits and about two rodent hairs for every 10 grams. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2024 The salsa golf, a version of aioli made with oregano, is Argentine. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 16 Jan. 2024 Add beans and spices: Stir in cooked beans, cooking liquid, oregano, and paprika; reduce heat to medium. Cook until beans are moist but not soupy, 8 to 10 minutes. Pati Jinich, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2024 Keep it simple with seasonings; use thyme for chicken soups and winter stews, and oregano and basil for minestrone soups. Bridgette A. Lacy, 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 29 Mar. 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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