licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈli-k(ə-)rish  -k(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: the dried root of a European leguminous plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

also : an extract of this used especially in medicine, liquors, and confectionery

b

: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (such as anise)

2

: a plant yielding licorice

also : a related plant

Examples of licorice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Products that contain real licorice are usually labeled as such and list licorice extract or glycyrrhizic acid among the ingredients. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 30 Mar. 2024

Sassicaia 2021 offers a heady bouquet of raspberry, blackberry, licorice, and clove with a whiff of rose petal. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024

The cafe and micro-bakery Hygge is known for its fun and ever-changing specials, like croissants with gingerbread and caramel or coconut cream with licorice and raspberry meringue. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2024

Mid palate flavors of licorice and molasses and dark fruit. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

Mid palate flavors of maple syrup and black licorice mid palate. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

That’s just what’s on offer in most Spanish Grenache wines, which range from stone and citrus fruit to licorice and spices. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023

Firm tannins and fresh acidity and mid palate flavors of licorice, cocoa, red cherries. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

Carrots: Adds mild sweetness and color. Parsnips: A light licorice flavor. —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English licorice, from Anglo-French licoris, from Late Latin liquiritia, alteration of Latin glycyrrhiza, from Greek glykyrrhiza, from glykys sweet + rhiza root — more at dulcet, root

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing licorice

• Indian licorice

Kids Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

a

: a European plant of the legume family with spikes of blue flowers

b

: the dried root of licorice

also : a preparation made from the root

2

: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)

Etymology

Middle English licorice "licorice," from early French licoris (same meaning), from Latin liquiritia (same meaning), derived from Greek glykyrrhiza, literally, "sweet root"

Medical Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice

variants or chiefly British liquorice

ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

: a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

2

a

: glycyrrhiza sense 2

b

: an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste