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

One of the brand’s best sellers, the Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream, was developed from more than six decades of ginseng research. —Carol Rh Malasig, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Infused with Tsubaki oil to firm and hydrate, the formulation also has brightening ginseng extract and antioxidant-rich pomegranate oil. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2025

While evidence is limited, supplementing with certain compounds, such as iron, magnesium, vitamin B12, and ginseng, can help reduce fatigue. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 7 Aug. 2025

For those seeking alternative options, Dr. Ibrahim notes that ingredients such as caffeine, peptides, niacinamide, ginseng extract, and rosemary oil show promise in reducing shedding to make hair look fuller. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Aug. 2025

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