What does "licorice" mean?
A plant of species Glycyrrhiza glabra, or sometimes in North America, the related American licorice plant Glycyrrhiza lepidota.
Licorice
noun
noun ·3 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A plant of species Glycyrrhiza glabra, or sometimes in North America, the related American licorice plant Glycyrrhiza lepidota.
- Grammar: licorice is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: anise like flavor, black candy, glycyrrhiza glabra, glycyrrhiza root.
- Usage evidence: My children like licorice sticks.
How to use "licorice"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "licorice" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "licorice" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "licorice" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "licorice" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "licorice" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "anise like flavor" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "licorice", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A plant of species Glycyrrhiza glabra, or sometimes in North America, the related American licorice plant Glycyrrhiza lepidota. countable, usually
- 2 a black candy flavored with the dried root of the licorice plant wordnet
- 3 A type of candy made from that plant's dried root or its extract. uncountable, usually
- 4 deep-rooted coarse-textured plant native to the Mediterranean region having blue flowers and pinnately compound leaves; widely cultivated in Europe for its long thick sweet roots wordnet
- 5 A black color, named after the licorice. countable, uncountable, usually
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A flavoring agent made from dried root portions of the aforementioned plant. uncountable, usually
- 7 A supposed aphrodisiac made in the past from dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza echinata. uncountable, usually
Synonyms
All synonyms anise like flavorblack candyglycyrrhiza glabraglycyrrhiza rootlicorice candylicorice flavor
Example
"My children like licorice sticks."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "licorice"?
Common synonyms include: anise like flavor, black candy, glycyrrhiza glabra, glycyrrhiza root, licorice candy, licorice flavor.
How do you use "licorice" in a sentence?
My children like licorice sticks.
Etymology
From Middle English lycorys, from Old French licoresse, from Late Latin liquiritia, alteration of Ancient Greek γλυκύρριζα (glukúrrhiza): γλυκύς (glukús, “sweet”) + ῥίζα (rhíza, “root”) (English glucose, English rhizome). Doublet of glycyrrhiza.