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

Ashwaghanda Ashwagandha, also called winter cherry, Indian ginseng, or Withania somnifera, is a small evergreen shrub that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across India, Africa, and Southern Europe. —Trista Chan, Health, 30 Nov. 2025

Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Serum has a lightweight, custardy gel texture that sinks in fast and leaves undereyes looking brighter and less puffy by morning, thanks to the dream duo that is retinal and ginseng. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 29 Nov. 2025

These drinks often contain ingredients known to increase energy levels, like vitamin B, creatine, ginseng, or taurine.3 Who Should Avoid Them? —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2025

Combining their power with ginseng extract’s nourishing and hydrating properties creates a well-rounded product that will leave your skin feeling healthy. —Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 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