an aromatic Mediterranean plant, Origanum (or Marjorana) hortensis, with small pale purple flowers and sweet-scented leaves, used for seasoning food and in salads: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
2. Also called: wild marjoram, pot marjoram, origan
a similar and related European plant, Origanum vulgare
See also oregano, origanum
Word origin
C14: via Old French majorane, from Medieval Latin marjorana