ginseng

noun

gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌseŋ  -ˌsiŋ 

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

• 1 root
• 2 leaves and flowers

Examples of ginseng in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Packed with the brand’s advanced ginseng technology—a hero ingredient in Korean herbal medicine—this facial toner helps tackle signs of aging like a pro. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Jan. 2025

Saw palmetto adds a touch of shine, while ginseng antioxidants swoop in to protect against free radical damage. —Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025

Tsubaki oil, ginseng, and pomegranate extract make your skin look and feel better than before. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Feb. 2025

The formula is powered by supercharged skin-care actives: ginseng extract, sunflower and almond oils, pomegranate extract, tsubaki oil, ginger root complex, and a skin-shielding complex. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) rénshēn

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for ginseng

• cheng
• sheng

Kids Definition

ginseng

noun

gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌsaŋ 

-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

gin·​seng ˈjin-ˌseŋ  -ˌsaŋ  -(ˌ)siŋ 

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