# rosemary

/ˈɹoʊzˌmɛɹi/ (US) · /ɹˈəʊzməɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rosemary
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the herb

noun · CEFR B1

a plant with thin, needle-like leaves that you use in cooking to add a fresh, woody flavour.

For teachers: the aromatic leaves of the shrub Salvia rosmarinus, used as a culinary seasoning. Usually uncountable when referring to the herb in food.

- She added a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to the roasted potatoes.
- The chef recommended infusing the olive oil with rosemary and garlic to enhance the earthy profile of the dish.

### 2. the plant

noun · CEFR B2

a small evergreen bush with purple, pink, or blue flowers that grows well in dry places.

For teachers: an evergreen shrub of the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region. Countable when referring to the individual plant.

- We planted a large rosemary by the garden gate because it smells wonderful.
- In many Mediterranean climates, rosemary is utilised as a hardy ornamental shrub that requires minimal irrigation once established.

### 3. a person's name

noun · CEFR B1

a traditional name for a girl or woman.

For teachers: a female given name, historically derived from the Latin 'ros marinus' meaning 'dew of the sea'.

- Rosemary was my grandmother's name, and it is becoming popular again.
- The protagonist, Rosemary, navigates the complexities of mid-century social expectations throughout the novel.

## Examples

- I added fresh rosemary to the roasted chicken.
- The chef suggests using a sprig of rosemary to infuse the olive oil with a woody aroma.
- While primarily valued for its culinary applications, rosemary has historically been associated with remembrance and was often woven into garlands for traditional ceremonies.

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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.