tarragon

[ tar-uh-gon, -guhn ]

noun

1. an Old World plant, Artemisia dracunculus, having aromatic leaves used for seasoning.
2. the leaves themselves.

tarragon

/ ˈtærəɡən /

noun

1. an aromatic perennial plant, Artemisia dracunculus, of the Old World, having whitish flowers and small toothed leaves, which are used as seasoning: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. the leaves of this plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarragon¹

1530–40; earlier taragon < Middle French targon, variant of tarc ( h ) on < Medieval Latin < Medieval Greek tarchṓn < Arabic ṭarkhūn < Greek drákōn literally, dragon; compare Latin dracunculus tarragon

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarragon¹

C16: from Old French targon, from Medieval Latin tarcon, from Arabic tarkhūn, perhaps from Greek drakontion adderwort

Example Sentences

Imagine the result of substituting cilantro for tarragon in your bearnaise sauce.

From Washington Post

Cream, mushrooms, tarragon are umami-rich flavors that enhance a wine’s virtues.

From Washington Post

It has French ingredients like leeks and tarragon, and I use puff pastry to make the crust easy!

From The Daily Beast

Add the butter, chicken stock, salt, bay leaf, thyme, and tarragon and bring to a simmer.

From The Daily Beast

Season with salt and pepper and toss in the tarragon leaves just before serving.

From The Daily Beast

Return the chicken to the pan with half of the tomatoes and the tarragon.

From The Daily Beast

Finish with a salad of frisee, chives, parsley, tarragon and chervil lightly dressed with the vinaigrette.

From The Daily Beast

Pick two handfuls of tarragon (the leaves from the stalks) and chop half of it fine with the livers of the fowls.

From Project Gutenberg

Season some of the best vinegar with a little garlic, a little tarragon, and a little sweet-oil.

From Project Gutenberg

The Composites are represented by the wormwood and tarragon (Estragon).

From Project Gutenberg

Drain and put into bottles with horse-radish, tarragon, bay leaves and grains of black pepper.

From Project Gutenberg

Other spices are sometimes added according to taste; such as thyme, cloves, bay-leaves, and tarragon.

From Project Gutenberg