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

Asked which of four herbs had a distinct liquorice-like flavour, she chose the correct answer of tarragon.

From BBC

You can substitute fresh tarragon for the thyme and any onion variety for the shallots as long as they are tiny minced.

From Salon

I use mayo as a base for many sauces: spicy mayo, curry mayo, maple mayo, Russian dressing, lemon tarragon brown butter mayo, and more.

From Salon

Being a soft herb similar to tarragon, high heat will destroy its flavor.

From Salon

Ella tried to read all the labels—tarragon, fae rose, fennel, wombie gold, saffron, cinnamon, star tears—but gave up after losing her place.

From Literature