rosemary

noun

rose·​mary ˈrōz-ˌmer-ē How to pronounce rosemary (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Marinate the eggplant with half the garlic rosemary and one-eighth cup olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes. Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 31 Oct. 2024 Alternatively, infuse it with a classic Thanksgiving flavor like fresh rosemary or garlic to layer on an unexpected amount of flavor. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024 For an extra flavor boost, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 22 Oct. 2024 This hair gem is infused with a ton of nourishing ingredients such as biotin and rosemary that not only promote the growth of your hair but also leave a refreshing scent behind. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rosemary 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rosemary was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rosemary

Cite this Entry

“Rosemary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rosemary. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rosemary

noun
rose·​mary ˈrōz-ˌmer-ē How to pronounce rosemary (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce rosemary (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on rosemary

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