Meaning & Definition of word "Licorice"

Licorice

/ˈlɪkərɪʃ/

noun:

  • 1. A sweet, chewy candy made from the extract of the root of the licorice plant or a black candy flavored with this substance.
    • Example: She offered me a piece of licorice from the candy jar.
  • 2. The dried root of the licorice plant, used as a flavoring or medicinal herb.
    • Example: Licorice has been used in traditional medicine for its soothing properties.
  • 3. A black candy flavored with a specific extract that has a distinctive sweet taste.
    • Example: Many people either love or hate the taste of black licorice.

verb:

  • 1. To flavor with licorice or make into a licorice-based product.
    • Example: 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.

Related Words

Glycyrrhiza:

The scientific genus of the licorice plant.

anise:

An herb sometimes confused with licorice, used for flavoring.

confectionery:

A category of food that includes sweets like licorice.

Slang Meanings of licorice

Meaning: Licorice whip

Example Sentence: He got a licorice whip from the candy shop as a treat.

Meaning: Licorice stick

Example Sentence: The kids were chewing on licorice sticks during the movie.