licorice
noun
lic·o·rice
ˈli-k(ə-)rish 
-k(ə-)rəs
-k(ə-)rəs
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
The palate is full-bodied with prominent, ripe, structured tannins and balanced acidity, featuring fruit-forward flavors of dark berries fruits, black licorice, espresso, and a touch of smoky oak.
—
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking apple cider vinegar and licorice.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025
Along with its star exfoliant, this micro-fine mist also treats your skin with barberry and licorice extracts, which are rich in brightening antioxidants to minimize skin discoloration.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Nov. 2024
Depending on the expression, the finish may also reveal lingering sweetness, hints of anise/licorice, and a touch of salinity.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for licorice 
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Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking apple cider vinegar and licorice.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025
Along with its star exfoliant, this micro-fine mist also treats your skin with barberry and licorice extracts, which are rich in brightening antioxidants to minimize skin discoloration.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Nov. 2024
Depending on the expression, the finish may also reveal lingering sweetness, hints of anise/licorice, and a touch of salinity.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for licorice
Dictionary Entries Near licorice
Cite this Entry
“Licorice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/licorice. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
licorice
noun
lic·o·rice
ˈlik(-ə)-rish
-rəs
-rəs
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
1
: a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
2
b
: an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste
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