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

The blend of herbal ingredients (among them ginseng, a vitamin C derivative, and madecassoside, a compound found in centella asiatica), the formula sets out to support the skin barrier, boost hydration, and defend against environmental stressors. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2025

To further celebrate the 60th anniversary of ginseng science, Sulwhasoo will also host a gala at the Guggenheim on Tuesday night. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025

Formula-wise, stabilized retinal is super gentle and minimizes irritation, while ginseng brightens and boosts circulation, and glycerin supports the skin barrier. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025

Energy drinks with caffeine may also have other ingredients like taurine, guarana, ginseng and L-carnitine. —Dr. Mark Corkins, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 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