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
Maison Brotte 2022 Les Murets has aromas of violet, anise frond, blackberry, and cassis that transition to flavors of red currant, raspberry, and black licorice.
—
Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
While some folks are put off by raw fennel’s pushy licorice taste, the flavors mellow as its edges soften and become slightly sweet and lush.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025
Think inky cola-esque bottles; floral, blush rosé vermuts; or even cinnamon-and-licorice-tinged vermut negro.
—Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Specifically, licorice root can raise sodium levels and lower potassium levels in your body.
—Kirstyn Hill, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for licorice
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Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
While some folks are put off by raw fennel’s pushy licorice taste, the flavors mellow as its edges soften and become slightly sweet and lush.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025
Think inky cola-esque bottles; floral, blush rosé vermuts; or even cinnamon-and-licorice-tinged vermut negro.
—Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Specifically, licorice root can raise sodium levels and lower potassium levels in your body.
—Kirstyn Hill, Health, 20 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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