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

Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask Sulwhasoo’s Overnight Vitalizing Mask smells like a spa in the best way possible, thanks to its blend of Korean botanicals like ginseng, lotus, and pomegranate. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025

Combining their power with ginseng extract’s nourishing and hydrating properties creates a well-rounded product that will leave your skin feeling healthy. —Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

Designed to be used directly after cleansing, the blend of herbal ingredients (including ginseng, skullcap, and madecassoside, a compound found in cica) works to support your skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote a more youthful-looking complexion. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025

The forest and its valuable ginseng, deer antlers, and lumber were for the Qing alone. —Literary Hub, 14 Nov. 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