white ginger

noun

1
: the rootstock of ginger dried and scraped

called also African ginger, cochin ginger

distinguished from black ginger
2
: a large Indian herb (Hedychium coronarium) that is widely cultivated in warm regions for its showy white fragrant flowers

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of white ginger was in the 15th century

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near white ginger

Cite this Entry

“White ginger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20ginger. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!