ginseng

gin·seng | \ ˈjin-ˌseŋ

, -ˌsiŋ \

Definition of ginseng

1a : 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 There are other variations of the soup that forego the ginseng, but its presence gives the soup a distinct, earthy sweetness. — Los Angeles Times, "Where to order takeout and delivery in Koreatown," 13 Dec. 2020 Although the porridge does contain Korean ginseng, there is no scientific evidence offered to back the claim. — Los Angeles Times, "Where to order takeout and delivery in Koreatown," 13 Dec. 2020 That ginseng improves energy, say, or that ginger alleviates nausea, or that horsetail, which contains silica, might help hair to grow? — Amanda Fortini, New York Times, "Revisiting an Ancient Theory of Herbalism," 12 Nov. 2020 Some ginseng farmers cite Larry Harding as a cautionary tale. — Emily Cataneo/undark, Popular Science, "Appalachia’s ginseng goldmine may not last much longer," 9 Nov. 2020 Donginbi's cleansing foam is packed with red ginseng, which protects skin against free radicals and increases collagen production for firmer skin. — Sarah Han, Allure, "The 25 Best Deals on K-Beauty Products for Amazon Prime Day," 14 Oct. 2020 The lotion includes energizing ingredients including caffeine and ginseng to hydrate and tighten the under-eye area, helping to reduce signs of fatigue and aging—key after a late night out or a hectic work week. — Camryn Rabideau, USA TODAY, "20 personal care products designed specifically for men," 8 Oct. 2020 Hydrate your hair with a caffeine-and-ginseng-infused conditioner, two ingredients the company says will help promote hair growth. — NBC News, "National Hair Day: Best products from Sephora, Ulta and more," 1 Oct. 2020 Try a gentler booster, like tea, matcha, or ginseng. — Nicole Clausing, Sunset Magazine, "Daylight Savings Self-Care Tips for When You’re Feeling More Tired Than Usual," 6 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ginseng.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

8 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Ginseng.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ginseng. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for ginseng

ginseng

noun

English Language Learners Definition of ginseng

: a Chinese herb that is used as a medicine

See the full definition for ginseng in the English Language Learners Dictionary

ginseng

noun

gin·seng | \ ˈjin-ˌseŋ

, -ˌsaŋ

, -(ˌ)siŋ

Medical Definition of ginseng

1a : 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