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

Those with oily or acne-prone skin should consider toners with calming, anti-inflammatory, or exfoliating ingredients, such as tea tree oil, centella asiatica, heartleaf extract, and ginseng. —Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025

While waiting for the rice to cook, most Nature Pagoda customers order mini tureens of herbal soups, such as black chicken with either ginseng or a blend of Chinese herbs. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Powered by polymers and silica, this smooths over textured skin, and boasts up to 24 hours of wear while ginseng helps maintain skin’s natural balance. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025

This approach to the ingredient, notably the extraction of ginseng saponin in the 1970s, laid the foundation for what would become Sulwhasoo’s hallmark — combining natural, effective ingredients with modern science. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 15 Mar. 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