Illustration of ginseng
- 1 root
- 2 leaves and flowers
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
Examples of ginseng in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Centella asiatica is a standout for soothing irritation and supporting the scalp barrier, while ginseng is prized for stimulating circulation and supporting stronger roots.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Research has indicated that Korean red ginseng could be useful as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
—Pubsubhub User, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Ingredients like adaptogens ginseng root and chaga mushroom help restore and balance the scalp’s barrier (like a thick cream could help restore your skin’s barrier after using too many active ingredients).
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
In 2008, Herrington became a Smokies law-enforcement ranger, energized by the thought of hunting poachers of ginseng and game.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Research has indicated that Korean red ginseng could be useful as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
—Pubsubhub User, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Ingredients like adaptogens ginseng root and chaga mushroom help restore and balance the scalp’s barrier (like a thick cream could help restore your skin’s barrier after using too many active ingredients).
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
In 2008, Herrington became a Smokies law-enforcement ranger, energized by the thought of hunting poachers of ginseng and game.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ginseng
Cite this Entry
“Ginseng.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ginseng. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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