licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈli-k(ə-)rish  -k(ə-)rəs 

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

But these are, unfortunately, overpowered by notes that are unappealing, like tannic oak, bitter licorice, wet tobacco, menthol, and—not to be too rude to the whiskey or to anyone’s pet—the smell of wet dog. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025

The fragrance opens with fleshy fig and citrus, deepened by notes of brown sugar and licorice that create a warm, sensual experience. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025

Its flavor is in the anise or licorice spectrum and it is utilized both dry and fresh. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025

After a vacation in Denmark several years ago, my family became obsessed with a fancy licorice brand. —The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2025

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

Phrases Containing licorice

• Indian licorice

Kids Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

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

ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

: a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

2

a

: glycyrrhiza sense 2

b

: an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste