noun

hyssop

HIS-uhp

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Hyssop (noun) means an aromatic bushy herb of the genus Hyssopus, native to Southern Europe, once used as a medicinal plant. Example: “The herb garden had a row of hyssop growing near the rosemary.”

noun

An aromatic bushy herb of the genus Hyssopus, native to Southern Europe, once used as a medicinal plant.

"The herb garden had a row of hyssop growing near the rosemary."

"Hyssop leaves give off a strong, slightly bitter scent when crushed."

"She added a sprig of hyssop to the stew for extra flavour."

How to use hyssop

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHyssop is a fragrant bushy herb once valued for its medicinal uses.

When to use it

The word is mostly used in gardening, cookery and older or religious texts.

Memory tip

Hyssop is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, like HIS-uhp, not on the second.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a sprig of hyssop hyssop oil wild hyssop hyssop leaves

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “hyssop” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The herb garden had a row of _____ growing near the rosemary.

Etymology

Hyssop passed into English through Latin hysopum, which came from the Ancient Greek word hussopos. That Greek word is itself thought to come from a Semitic source.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What is hyssop used for?

Hyssop is an aromatic herb that was traditionally used for medicinal purposes and is still grown today for its scent and flavour.

Where does hyssop grow?

The plant is native to Southern Europe, where it grows as a bushy shrub.

Where does the word hyssop come from?

It came into English via Latin and Ancient Greek, with the Greek word likely borrowed from a Semitic language.

What is the meaning of hyssop?

"hyssop" (noun) means an aromatic bushy herb of the genus Hyssopus, native to Southern Europe, once used as a medicinal plant.