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
Some claim its flavor resembles licorice but with a bitter and metallic aftertaste.2
Whether monk fruit or stevia tastes better is a matter of personal taste.
—
Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025
Aromas of morel cherry, strawberry preserves and a hint of licorice.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The palate showcases herbal and herbaceous aromas of anise/licorice, alongside minty and fruity notes of citrus and tropical fruits, particularly melons.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
In the lower container, silver takes on a softer look—and feel—with the velvety leaves of licorice plant, 'Angel Wings’ senecio, and ‘Mori’s Strain’ artemisia; dainty ‘Pink Chablis’ lamium flowers lend a touch of color.
—Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for licorice
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Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025
Aromas of morel cherry, strawberry preserves and a hint of licorice.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The palate showcases herbal and herbaceous aromas of anise/licorice, alongside minty and fruity notes of citrus and tropical fruits, particularly melons.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
In the lower container, silver takes on a softer look—and feel—with the velvety leaves of licorice plant, 'Angel Wings’ senecio, and ‘Mori’s Strain’ artemisia; dainty ‘Pink Chablis’ lamium flowers lend a touch of color.
—Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for licorice
Cite this Entry
“Licorice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/licorice. Accessed 19 Jun. 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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