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

The finish starts with raspberry compote, deep (yet soft) oak, vanilla, licorice, more pepper, leafiness, wood smoke and Luxardo cherry. —Chris Perugini, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Chervil has an earthy, resinous fragrance that has been compared to myrrh with a delicate licorice flavor. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024

Another ingredient, anise, gives the spirit a black licorice flavor, and Neeley was always the type of kid who didn’t shy away from black jellybeans. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024

Water brings out a cooling menthol, raisins, and more licorice. THH 2024 is an herbal and dry rye whiskey that seems to inhibit the fruitier qualities of this whiskey. —Chris Perugini, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

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