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

Its success is attributed to breakthrough formulations that blend science with Asian medicinal herbs like ginseng. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

In addition to anti-inflammatory honeysuckle, it’s infused with antioxidant-rich ginseng and clarifying Solomon’s Seal powder (a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 3 Dec. 2024

This four-piece kit features four of the brand’s top sellers, a standout of which is the cleansing oil—a lightweight formula packed with jojoba, safflower, and apricot kernel oil for hydration, plus green tea extract to soothe irritation, and ginseng and licorice extract for brightening. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024

It’s made with a variety of nourishing ingredients; there’s arctic root and Siberian ginseng for hydration, red clover extract to soothe, and peptides to promote hair growth. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) rénshēn

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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