Meaning & Definition
noun
A sweet, chewy candy made from the extract of the root of the licorice plant or a black candy flavored with this substance.
She offered me a piece of licorice from the candy jar.
The dried root of the licorice plant, used as a flavoring or medicinal herb.
Licorice has been used in traditional medicine for its soothing properties.
A black candy flavored with a specific extract that has a distinctive sweet taste.
Many people either love or hate the taste of black licorice.
verb
To flavor with licorice or make into a licorice-based product.
They decided to licorice the cake for a unique flavor.
Etymology
Middle English 'licorice', from Old French 'licorice', from Latin 'liquiritia', from Greek 'glykyrrhiza' meaning 'sweet root'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
licorice allsorts:
A mix of various types of licorice candies.
black licorice:
A type of licorice flavored with the actual root, distinct from other flavorings.
licorice tea:
A herbal tea made from licorice root, known for its sweet taste.
Slang Meanings
Licorice whip
He got a licorice whip from the candy shop as a treat.
Licorice stick
The kids were chewing on licorice sticks during the movie.