licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈli-k(ə-)rish How to pronounce licorice (audio) -k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce licorice (audio)
1
a
: the dried root of a European leguminous plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
also : an extract of this used especially in medicine, liquors, and confectionery
b
: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (such as anise)
2
: a plant yielding licorice
also : a related plant

Examples of licorice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Hyaluronic acid helps smooth out fine lines while anti-inflammatory skin-brighteners licorice extract and niacinamide work to depuff bags and brighten dark circles. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass, arnica, prickly pear extract, and aloe. Katie Becker, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2024 Strong aromas that include figs, black licorice, raspberries, red cherries, slight tar and menthol. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 There’s an impressive selection of arak, a traditional Levantine spirit with flavors of anise and licorice. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for licorice 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English licorice, from Anglo-French licoris, from Late Latin liquiritia, alteration of Latin glycyrrhiza, from Greek glykyrrhiza, from glykys sweet + rhiza root — more at dulcet, root

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of licorice was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near licorice

Cite this Entry

“Licorice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/licorice. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

licorice

noun
lic·​o·​rice ˈlik(-ə)-rish How to pronounce licorice (audio) -rəs How to pronounce licorice (audio)
1
a
: a European plant of the legume family with spikes of blue flowers
b
: the dried root of licorice
also : a preparation made from the root
2
: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)
Etymology

Middle English licorice "licorice," from early French licoris (same meaning), from Latin liquiritia (same meaning), derived from Greek glykyrrhiza, literally, "sweet root"

Medical Definition

licorice

noun
lic·​o·​rice
variants or chiefly British liquorice
1
: a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
2
b
: an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste

More from Merriam-Webster on licorice

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