ginseng

noun

gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌseŋ  -ˌsiŋ 

1

a

: a Chinese perennial herb (Panax ginseng synonym P. schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having five leaflets on each leaf, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root used in herbal medicine especially in eastern Asia

b

: any of several plants related to ginseng

especially : a North American herb (P. quinquefolius)

2

: the root of a ginseng

Illustration of ginseng

• 1 root
• 2 leaves and flowers

Examples of ginseng in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s also a lineup of classic K-beauty botanicals—including ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, and Centella asiatica—to soothe and comfort the scalp. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026

Common examples in mocktails include ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, ginseng, holy basil and reishi mushroom. —Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

Sulwhasoo Spa builds its treatments around heritage ingredients like ginseng, while D&A and Individuel Genève specialize in skin boosters and laser work. —Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026

Sulwhasoo Spa focuses on heritage ingredients like ginseng, while D&A and Individuel Genève specialize in skin boosters and laser treatments. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) rénshēn

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for ginseng

• cheng
• sheng

Kids Definition

ginseng

noun

gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌsaŋ 

-ˌseŋ, 

-(ˌ)siŋ

1

: a Chinese herb with small greenish flowers and red berries

also : a closely related herb of North America

2

: the forked fragrant root of the ginseng used especially as a medicine in China

Medical Definition

ginseng

noun

gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌseŋ  -ˌsaŋ  -(ˌ)siŋ 

1

a

: a Chinese perennial herb (Panax ginseng synonym P. schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having 5-foliolate leaves, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root valued especially locally as a medicine

b

: any of several plants (especially genus Panax) related to or used as substitutes for the Chinese ginseng

especially : a North American woodland herb (P. quinquefolius)

2

: the aromatic root of a ginseng that is used in herbal medicine especially in eastern Asia