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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web If your love of food extends to an interest in the history and science of everything from the humble potato to a soothing cup of tea to ever-polarizing licorice, then this podcast is for you. 
Simon Hill, Wired, 4 Aug. 2022 Candy Funhouse, an online retailer of confectionery treats from chocolate bars to gummies and licorice, is hiring for a $78,000 a year ($100,000 Canadian), work-from-home job as its Chief Candy Officer. Alexandra Peers, CNN, 1 Aug. 2022 Entrees include pasta with amatriciana sauce, tuna and licorice; or sea bass with pea cream, cocoa beans, strawberries and ginger beer. Catherine Sabino, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022 One of her flavors, George said, was a black licorice cake. Stefene Russell, The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 July 2022 It’s Casamara Club Como, a stunning combination of sparkling water infused with orange, chamomile, peppermint, licorice root, grapefruit, juniper, clove, and cardamom with a touch of orange blossom honey and sea salt. Tamar Adler, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2022 Eleven different botanicals are macerated in the spirit for flavor: juniper, angelica root, cardamon, cassia bark, clove, coriander, hyssop, licorice root, lemon verbena, sweet orange peel and bitter orange extract. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2022 This serum goes a step further with white shiitake mushroom and licorice root extract to specifically target stubborn dark spots. Jamie Wilson, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 June 2022 Baked apples attempt to rein in a combination of caramel, roasted jackfruit, and plenty of licorice. Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes, 28 June 2022 See More
Simon Hill, Wired, 4 Aug. 2022 Candy Funhouse, an online retailer of confectionery treats from chocolate bars to gummies and licorice, is hiring for a $78,000 a year ($100,000 Canadian), work-from-home job as its Chief Candy Officer. Alexandra Peers, CNN, 1 Aug. 2022 Entrees include pasta with amatriciana sauce, tuna and licorice; or sea bass with pea cream, cocoa beans, strawberries and ginger beer. Catherine Sabino, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022 One of her flavors, George said, was a black licorice cake. Stefene Russell, The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 July 2022 It’s Casamara Club Como, a stunning combination of sparkling water infused with orange, chamomile, peppermint, licorice root, grapefruit, juniper, clove, and cardamom with a touch of orange blossom honey and sea salt. Tamar Adler, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2022 Eleven different botanicals are macerated in the spirit for flavor: juniper, angelica root, cardamon, cassia bark, clove, coriander, hyssop, licorice root, lemon verbena, sweet orange peel and bitter orange extract. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2022 This serum goes a step further with white shiitake mushroom and licorice root extract to specifically target stubborn dark spots. Jamie Wilson, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 June 2022 Baked apples attempt to rein in a combination of caramel, roasted jackfruit, and plenty of licorice. Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes, 28 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
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
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing licorice
Kids Definition
licorice
noun
lic·o·rice ˈli-kə-rish
-rəs
1
: the dried root of a European plant or a juice from it used in medicine and in candy
2
: candy flavored with licorice
Medical Definition
licorice
noun
lic·o·rice
variants or chiefly British liquorice
ˈlik(-ə)-rish -rəs
-rəs 1
: a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
2
a
: glycyrrhiza sense 2
b
: an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste