licorice

noun
lic·​o·​rice | \ ˈli-k(ə-)rish How to pronounce licorice (audio) , -k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce licorice (audio) \

Definition of licorice

1a : 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 cucumber carries the day, with the licorice root asserting itself as well and the kiwi adding some dryness. Andre Meunier, oregonlive.com, "I tried 17 beers at the Oregon Brewers Festival; here’s how they rate," 25 July 2019 This could mean ginger, chili, cinnamon and garlic, among other things, but most certainly includes star anise, infusing the creamy eggs with its unique licorice-like flavor. Amy Drew Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Taipei 101: Old restaurant standbys can be new for you," 12 June 2019 My lower back, which usually feels like someone poured concrete down my spine, felt as loose as licorice rope. Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, "How to choose the perfect mattress — psst, the Fairmont is involved," 24 July 2019 Kristen said the two loved to spoil their four grandchildren with princess crowns, a BB gun, and a drawer filled with Jolly Ranchers and licorice ropes. oregonlive.com, "Cause of death: Heartbreak? For one Portland-area couple, their family thinks so.," 14 July 2019 The best tame the tartness and build flavor by adding rose hips, berries, spices, flowers, lemongrass, licorice root, orange and more. Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, "Taste-Off: The Bay Area’s best (and worst) hibiscus teas," 13 July 2019 For example, the Feu D’o Bianco is a flavorful blend of the Grillo and Carricante grapes, while the Feu D’o Rosso has a strong red-fruit flavor and hints of licorice. Adrienne Jordan, National Geographic, "Here are 9 volcanic vineyards for wine tasting with a view," 7 May 2019 Bjergso draws inspiration from nontraditional sources -- chefs, coffee roasters or winemakers, for example – and the brewery’s beers are sought for their use of bold and unexpected ingredients, such as seaweed, licorice or truffles. oregonlive.com, "Mikkeller Portland pops open to overwhelming crowds at ex-Burnside Brewing home," 9 June 2019 On arrival, guests are offered licorice and burdock root Skin Tea from local company Masha Tea, before settling into the whimsical waiting area designed by Vincent Martinelli of Spatial Relations. Prue Lewington, Harper's BAZAAR, "Women Are Giving Up Botox for Facial Massage," 23 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'licorice.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of licorice

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for licorice

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

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More Definitions for licorice

licorice

noun

English Language Learners Definition of licorice

: a candy made from the dried root of a European plant

licorice

noun
lic·​o·​rice | \ ˈli-kə-rish How to pronounce licorice (audio) , -rəs\

Kids Definition of licorice

1 : the dried root of a European plant or a juice from it used in medicine and in candy
2 : candy flavored with licorice

licorice

noun
lic·​o·​rice
variants: or chiefly British liquorice \ ˈlik(-​ə)-​rish How to pronounce liquorice (audio) , -​rəs How to pronounce liquorice (audio) \

Medical Definition of licorice

1 : a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
b : an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste

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