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

This semi-permanent glaze softens brassiness on all hair colors and simultaneously conditions with keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Nov. 2026

Its dark, dimensional shade range offers complete gray hair coverage and all-over color in just 35 minutes, while a strengthening, circulation-boosting blend of keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract helps protect hair health. — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 1 Nov. 2026

Fans of the skincare brand can book a one-night holistic wellness retreat at Four Seasons Seoul, which includes a six-piece Sulwhasoo skincare kit, Sulwhasoo ginseng tea, and access to the Korean sauna and executive lounge. — Anna Haines, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026

Our choice today is ginseng peach, a favorite from our pantry. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026

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