Origin: Latin suffix -ary
Rosemary has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
widely cultivated for its fragrant grey-green leaves used in cooking and in perfumery
"Rosemary is widely cultivated for its fragrant grey-green leaves, which are prized both for enhancing the flavor of dishes and for creating delicate scents."
extremely pungent leaves used fresh or dried as seasoning for especially meats
"The chef sprinkled rosemary over the roasted lamb to add its sharply aromatic flavor."
A shrub, Rosmarinus officinalis, that originates from Europe and Asia Minor and produces a fragrant herb used in cooking and perfumes.
"The garden is filled with rosemary, a fragrant shrub whose leaves are harvested to flavor roasted meats or blend into perfume oils."
In plain English: Rosemary is an aromatic herb with needle-like leaves that people often use to flavor food or make perfume.
"My grandmother likes to add fresh rosemary to roast chicken for extra flavor."
Usage: Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen plant whose needle-like leaves are commonly chopped fresh or dried to flavor roasted meats and savory dishes. It pairs well with garlic, lemon, and olive oil but should be added near the end of cooking to preserve its delicate fragrance.
A female given name from Latin.
"Rosemary decided to keep her mother's traditional name after graduating college."
The name rosemary comes from a blend of "rose" and Mary, likely inspired by the belief that it grew on Mount Carmel where the Virgin Mary once walked. Its roots trace back to Latin words for dew or moisture combined with sea, reflecting its native habitat along coastal cliffs.