# oregano

/ˌɔˈɹɛɡəˌnoʊ/ (US) · /ˌɒɹɪɡˈɑːnəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/oregano
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a small plant with purple flowers and leaves that have a strong, spicy smell. You use the dried leaves as a flavoring in many Mediterranean and Mexican dishes.

For teachers: a small shrub of the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region, valued for its aromatic leaves used as a culinary herb.

## Examples

- I added fresh oregano to the tomato sauce.
- The chef sprinkled dried oregano over the grilled vegetables to give them a traditional Mediterranean flavor.
- While oregano is most commonly associated with Italian and Mexican cuisines, it also plays a significant role in Greek and Turkish culinary traditions, often paired with olive oil and lemon juice.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.