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 In addition to these ingredients, ginseng is a popular hair growth shampoo ingredient that can reduce inflammation and extend the growing phase for longer, stronger strands. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 19 Oct. 2023 Bobo's remains were eventually found in some woods by ginseng hunters in September 2014. CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 The formula is spiked with hyaluronic acid to moisturize, plus ginseng and pomegranate extracts to condition and nourish hair and scalp. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Coffee bean extract and ginseng both help to address puffiness while vitamin C and niacinamide work at the cellular level to brighten under-eye skin and fight free-radicals. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2024 This formula is enriched with a potent blend of caffeine, ginseng extract, and vitamin E to provide strands with deep nourishment while also supporting improved hair growth with regular use. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 The blend of ginseng, rose, forget-me-nots, suede, and vanilla melds together for a skin scent like nothing else in my collection: warm, cozy, and addicting. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 13 Nov. 2023 Plus, the ginseng water is bolstered by 2% niacinamide to keep oil in check. Sarah Han, Allure, 26 Oct. 2023 The formula boasts anti-aging, complexion-enhancing ingredients like camellia, which works to restore your skin’s natural glow, plus ginseng, which stimulates collagen production and improves skin’s suppleness. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 7 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ginseng.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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

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