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 This is a joy to drink—with deep mid palate crunchy flavors of black cherries and licorice. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 Its flavor is on the sweet side but that sweetness is rounded out with hints of a tangy and slightly tart apple flavor similar to green apple hard candies and licorice. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 27 Sep. 2024 The flavor profile is classic bourbon, with notes of vanilla, honey, caramel, stone fruit, and a bit of licorice, along with a nice dollop of spice from the relatively high rye content. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2024 As for the formula, witch hazel reduces the appearance of pores while licorice extract steps in to even out skin tone. Iman Balagam, Allure, 1 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for licorice 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'licorice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 Oct. 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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