Oregano
/ˌɔːr.ɪˈɡæn.oʊ/noun
A fragrant herb of the mint family, widely used in cooking.
Did you know?The word comes through Latin from Greek origanon/origanos, likely meaning a plant that “delights in the mountains,” which is why it was associated with wild, elevated places in antiquity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
origanon
“A mountain-loving aromatic herb”
Classical Greek
Greek
origanos
“Used for the same herb, especially wild marjoram”
Latin
Latin
origanum
“The herb oregano or wild marjoram”
Old French
French
origan
“The herb oregano”
16th Century
English
oreganum / oregano
“Borrowed name for the aromatic herb”
Modern English
English
oregano
“A common culinary herb and seasoning”