mugwort

American  

[muhg-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈmʌgˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. any of certain weedy composite plants of the genus Artemisia, especially A. vulgaris, having aromatic leaves and small, greenish flower heads.

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mugwort British  

/ ˈmʌɡˌwɜːt /

noun

1. a N temperate perennial herbaceous plant, Artemisia vulgaris, with aromatic leaves and clusters of small greenish-white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. another name for crosswort

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Etymology

Origin of mugwort

before 1000; Middle English; Old English mucgwyrt. See midge, wort ²

Compare meaning

How does mugwort compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mugwort vs. wormwood

Example Sentences

Separately, Regrow Altadena offers mugwort, which can help remediate soil.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2025

Instead, cooks use fresh herbs—oregano, mint, and estafiate, a mugwort known for its digestive properties—to add flavor.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2023

In their online metaphysical shop Quiiroi, Kitha sells bundles of rosemary, cedar and black sage, as well as mugwort, although they are sold out of that at the moment.

From Washington Post • Jan. 13, 2023

According to NewsGuard, a search for “does mugwort induce abortion” resulted in more than a dozen false videos.

From Washington Times • Sep. 28, 2022

“Up, Beetle, and to the cottage for cowslip, mugwort, and pepper. By the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Joan will have to sneeze this baby out!”

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman