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 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
Burch’s padded Miller and Kira Sport sandals nod to their puffy-soft marshmallows in banana, strawberry and vanilla colors, and Tory’s personal favorite candies from salty licorice twists to sour fish inspired the earrings and charms.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Heft in structure and elegance in the mouth; a dreamy/creamy wine as supple as a Beaujolais Cru that is easy drinking with good acidity mid palate and generous but light flavors that include maple syrup, mocha and black pepper with a brilliant red licorice finish.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for licorice
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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
Burch’s padded Miller and Kira Sport sandals nod to their puffy-soft marshmallows in banana, strawberry and vanilla colors, and Tory’s personal favorite candies from salty licorice twists to sour fish inspired the earrings and charms.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Heft in structure and elegance in the mouth; a dreamy/creamy wine as supple as a Beaujolais Cru that is easy drinking with good acidity mid palate and generous but light flavors that include maple syrup, mocha and black pepper with a brilliant red licorice finish.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 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 6 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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