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

Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, peptides, and brighteners such as licorice root extract and vitamin C help improve skin over time. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026

Suntastic Peach abelia anchors the companion container with trailing licorice plant, fan flowers, and Million Bells Trailing Blue calibrachoas tumbling out every which way. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 June 2026

Saie Slip Tint Moisturizer with SPF 35 The Saie Slip Tint uses ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, licorice root extract to brighten the complexion, and 100 percent mineral non-nano zinc oxide to shield it from sun damage, per the brand. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026

The men’s model features a double strap in suede or leather with a metal buckle, and the color palette includes chocolate, hazelnut and licorice. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 28 May 2026

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