noun

mugwort

MUG-wurt

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Mugwort (noun) means the plant Artemisia vulgaris, native to temperate parts of Eurasia and north Africa, traditionally used as a medicinal herb. Example: “She brewed a tea from dried mugwort leaves.”

noun

The plant Artemisia vulgaris, native to temperate parts of Eurasia and north Africa, traditionally used as a medicinal herb.

"She brewed a tea from dried mugwort leaves."

"Mugwort grows wild along hedgerows and waste ground."

"Herbalists have used mugwort for centuries."

Any of several related aromatic plants in the genus Artemisia, found across Eurasia, Africa and North America.

"Several types of mugwort grow across the northern hemisphere."

"The garden contained a few different mugworts alongside other aromatic herbs."

How to use mugwort

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMugwort is a wild, aromatic plant traditionally used in herbal medicine.

When to use it

Mugwort is the common, everyday name; Artemisia vulgaris is the more formal, scientific name for the same plant.

Memory tip

Mugwort and wormwood are different plants in the same genus, so don't assume they're identical.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

wormwood → sagebrush

Common pairings

dried mugwort mugwort tea wild mugwort mugwort 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 “mugwort” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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Can you complete this real example?

She brewed a tea from dried _____ leaves.

Etymology

Mugwort developed from the Middle English word mugwort, itself from Old English mucgwyrt. This Old English form probably combined a word related to midge with wort, an old word for plant, and it has related forms in regional Low German.

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What is mugwort used for?

It has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb.

Is mugwort the same as wormwood?

No, mugwort is a related but separate plant, though both belong to the genus Artemisia.

Where does mugwort grow?

It is native to temperate parts of Eurasia and north Africa, with related mugworts also found in North America.

What is the meaning of mugwort?

"mugwort" (noun) means the plant Artemisia vulgaris, native to temperate parts of Eurasia and north Africa, traditionally used as a medicinal herb.