noun
Uncommon
rosemary
ROHZ-muh-ree
Rosemary (noun) means a fragrant evergreen herb used widely in cooking and, historically, in perfume. Example: “She rubbed the lamb with garlic and rosemary before roasting it.”
noun
1
A fragrant evergreen herb used widely in cooking and, historically, in perfume.
"She rubbed the lamb with garlic and rosemary before roasting it."
How to use rosemary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA piney, fragrant herb common in Mediterranean cooking.
Common pairings
a sprig of rosemary
rosemary and thyme
rosemary oil
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Word forms
- Plural
- rosemaries
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She rubbed the lamb with garlic and _____ before roasting it.
Etymology
From Latin rōs marīnus, literally "dew of the sea" — later reshaped in English under the influence of the names "rose" and "Mary."
Rhymes for rosemary
See all rhymes for rosemary →Frequently asked questions
What does “rosemary” mean?
The word “rosemary” means a fragrant evergreen herb used widely in cooking and, historically, in perfume. In plain terms, a piney, fragrant herb common in Mediterranean cooking.
How do you pronounce “rosemary”?
“Rosemary” is pronounced ROHZ-muh-ree (/ˈɹoʊzˌmɛəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “rosemary” in a sentence?
Here is “rosemary” used in a sentence: “She rubbed the lamb with garlic and rosemary before roasting it.”
What part of speech is “rosemary”?
“Rosemary” is a noun.
Where does the word “rosemary” come from?
The word “rosemary” comes from Latin. From Latin rōs marīnus, literally "dew of the sea" — later reshaped in English under the influence of the names "rose" and "Mary.".
Is “rosemary” a common word?
“Rosemary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between rosemary and other cooking herbs like thyme?
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb with needle-like leaves and a distinctive pine-like aroma, setting it apart from softer herbs like thyme or basil. It is especially associated with roasted meats, potatoes, and Mediterranean cooking, where its strong flavor holds up well to long cooking times.
What dishes commonly use rosemary?
Rosemary is widely used to flavor roasted meats such as lamb and chicken, roasted potatoes, breads, and Mediterranean-style dishes. Its robust, piney flavor means it is often used in smaller amounts than milder herbs.
Was rosemary historically used for anything besides cooking?
Yes, rosemary has historically been used in perfume-making in addition to its culinary uses. Its fragrant oils made it a valued ingredient in scented preparations long before it became a kitchen staple.
