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
Very complex palate of toast, blueberries, black licorice, pencil led and forest floor.
—
Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Bright, medium deep purple; aromas of black raspberry, black currant, clove, licorice and purple iris.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
The formula includes rose, green tea, licorice, and chamomile—ingredients that support capillary health and promote skin repair, resulting in a more balanced complexion.
—Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2025
The group taking licorice left the ICU after an average of 13.1 days while the placebo group stayed for 25 days, suggesting that licorice might be effective against COVID-19.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for licorice
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Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Bright, medium deep purple; aromas of black raspberry, black currant, clove, licorice and purple iris.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
The formula includes rose, green tea, licorice, and chamomile—ingredients that support capillary health and promote skin repair, resulting in a more balanced complexion.
—Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2025
The group taking licorice left the ICU after an average of 13.1 days while the placebo group stayed for 25 days, suggesting that licorice might be effective against COVID-19.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 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 2 May. 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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