ginseng

noun

gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌseŋ How to pronounce ginseng (audio) -ˌsiŋ How to pronounce ginseng (audio)
1
a
: a Chinese perennial herb (Panax ginseng synonym P. schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having five leaflets on each leaf, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root used in herbal medicine especially in eastern Asia
b
: any of several plants related to ginseng
especially : a North American herb (P. quinquefolius)
2
: the root of a ginseng

Illustration of ginseng

Illustration of ginseng
  • 1 root
  • 2 leaves and flowers

Examples of ginseng in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Acai bowls include a Cacao Energy with maca root (aka Peruvian ginseng); gluten-free granola, banana and cacao nibs and custard; and a Cold Brew Crave with coffee, coconut, macadamia nuts and strawberry. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 21 May 2024 Its first release will be a botanical spirit with juniper, orange and ginseng, recommended as a replacement for gin in cocktails. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for ginseng 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ginseng.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) rénshēn

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ginseng was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near ginseng

Cite this Entry

“Ginseng.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ginseng. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

ginseng

noun
gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌsaŋ How to pronounce ginseng (audio)
-ˌseŋ,
-(ˌ)siŋ
1
: a Chinese herb with small greenish flowers and red berries
also : a closely related herb of North America
2
: the forked fragrant root of the ginseng used especially as a medicine in China

Medical Definition

ginseng

noun
1
a
: a Chinese perennial herb (Panax ginseng synonym P. schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having 5-foliolate leaves, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root valued especially locally as a medicine
b
: any of several plants (especially genus Panax) related to or used as substitutes for the Chinese ginseng
especially : a North American woodland herb (P. quinquefolius)
2
: the aromatic root of a ginseng that is used in herbal medicine especially in eastern Asia

More from Merriam-Webster on ginseng

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