dong quai

noun

ˈdäŋ-ˈkwī How to pronounce dong quai (audio)
ˈdȯŋ-
: the root of an Asian angelica (Angelica sinensis) used especially in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic, and laxative
also : an extract or preparation of dong quai

Examples of dong quai in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Older studies show that when dong quai was used with other herbs, the combination reduced hot flashes and night sweats. Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025 Overall, data is conflicting on how useful supplements like black cohosh, flaxseed, and dong quai are for menopause symptoms. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024 This wonderful libido supplement by is made with maca, damiana leaf, ashwagandha, horny goat weed, tribulus fruit and dong quai root. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024 Women’s wellness brand O Positiv, which is available at Target, Walmart and CVS, has been expanding its lineup since its early days, first launching with Flo, $32, a gummy vitamin infused with dong quai, lemon balm, chasteberry and vitamin B6 to treat symptoms of PMS. Emily Burns, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (southern Fujian) dōngguī (or a cognate form in another Chinese dialect)

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dong quai was in 1988

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dong quai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dong%20quai. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: the root of an Asian angelica (Angelica sinensis) used especially in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic, and laxative
also : an extract or preparation of dong quai
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster