ginseng

noun

gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌseŋ How to pronounce ginseng (audio) -ˌsiŋ How to pronounce ginseng (audio)
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

Illustration of ginseng
  • 1 root
  • 2 leaves and flowers

Examples of ginseng in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
As a refresher, ginseng has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with puffiness. Devon Abelman, Allure, 30 June 2024 Some people believe that natural remedies, such as echinacea, vitamin C, probiotics, elderberry, ginseng, and zinc, may help to prevent or treat viral illnesses like colds and flu. Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024 There’s also ginseng and niacinamide to help depuff, brighten, and hydrate, and they’re all formulated into a quick-to-absorb serum that feels weightless on the skin. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 In another study involving more than 160 adults aged 65 or older without dementia, ginseng slowed down memory loss and reduced the risk of progressing to dementia.45 Ginseng supplements are generally safe, but there are concerns about their long-term safety. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ginseng 

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) rénshēn

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ginseng was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near ginseng

Cite this Entry

“Ginseng.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ginseng. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ginseng

noun
gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌsaŋ How to pronounce ginseng (audio)
-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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ginseng

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!