licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈli-k(ə-)rish How to pronounce licorice (audio) -k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce licorice (audio)
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 If your dad likes unique flavors, the brand even has riffs on the original, such as a New Orleans-style old fashioned rouge with licorice and spice and an Oaxacan old fashioned with chiles. —Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024 Some people take dietary or health supplements that already contain licorice, which increases the risk of toxic effects from eating black licorice candy. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 30 Mar. 2024 Although the national frontrunner is black licorice, followed closely by buttered popcorn, Wisconsin's favorite is cotton candy. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2024 Products that contain real licorice are usually labeled as such and list licorice extract or glycyrrhizic acid among the ingredients. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 30 Mar. 2024 Sassicaia 2021 offers a heady bouquet of raspberry, blackberry, licorice, and clove with a whiff of rose petal. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024 The cafe and micro-bakery Hygge is known for its fun and ever-changing specials, like croissants with gingerbread and caramel or coconut cream with licorice and raspberry meringue. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2024 Mid palate flavors of licorice and molasses and dark fruit. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Mid palate flavors of maple syrup and black licorice mid palate. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'licorice.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of licorice was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing licorice

Dictionary Entries Near licorice

Licnophora

licorice

licorice fern

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Licorice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/licorice. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

licorice

noun
lic·​o·​rice ˈlik(-ə)-rish How to pronounce licorice (audio) -rəs How to pronounce licorice (audio)
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 How to pronounce licorice (audio) -rəs How to pronounce licorice (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on licorice

Nglish: Translation of licorice for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of licorice for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about licorice

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