zaatarhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zaatar_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezaatar, n.
First published 2011

zaatarnoun

  1. 1.
    1917–
    Originally in the Middle East: any of a number of aromatic culinary herbs.
    The precise herb referred to is variously identified as thyme, oregano, marjoram, hyssop, or savory.
    1. 1917
      The Samaritans use a bunch of the common za'atar, or Origanum Maru, in their Passover rites, and hold it is identical with the biblical hyssop.
      Jewish Quarterly Review vol. 8 49
    2. 1927
      The channel is from twenty to twenty-five meters wide and..is covered with a coarse gravel in which grows za'tar.
      A. Musil, Arabia Deserta viii. 243
    3. 1979
      Other fresh or dried herbs take their place with spices to enliven foods: green parsley or green coriander leaves, oregano, basil, grey verbena and za'atar, a much-used herb similar in aroma and flavour to thyme and oregano.
      T. Barer-Stein, You eat what you Are xxxvi. 417
    4. 1996
      Take a look over here, the zatar you planted is still here!
      M. Gorkin & R. Othman, Three Mothers, Three Daughters (2000) 153
    5. 2008
      Delia's dad grows the restaurant's zaatar in his backyard.
      Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 30 September (Epicure section) 4
  2. 2.
    1963–
    In Middle Eastern cuisine: a condiment made from any of these herbs (esp. thyme) singly or in combination, with dried sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt.
    1. 1963
      The breakfast meal was fairly uniform and generally conformed to one of the following patterns:..Bread, tea, olives and/or zaatar and oil.
      Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Nutrition Surv. Apr.–June 1962 (U.S. Interdepartmental Comm. Nutrition for National Def.) 56
    2. 1986
      Pick up some zaatar, a mixture of wild thyme, sesame, and sumac..; its faint lemon flavor is wonderful on bread, poultry, lamb, pizza.
      New York Magazine 21 April 76/3
    3. 1999
      At home we make our own instant version by mixing za'atar with a little olive oil to make a paste which is delicious spread on toast.
      G. Malouf & L. Malouf, Artichoke to Za'atar (2008) 293
    4. 2006
      Some recipes for zaatar also include oregano, marjoram, savory, and salt. It is a staple of modern Middle Eastern kitchens.
      A. F. Chiffolo & R. W. Hesse, Cooking with Bible 316

zaatar, n. was first published in September 2011.

zaatar, n. was last modified in July 2023.