English Reference

Word

ginseng

Phoneticsgin·seng

US/ˈdʒɪnˌsɛŋ/

UK/dʒɪnsˈɛŋ/

Definition

n. a plant that people use to make medicine or tea. It is often sold as a way to help you feel more energetic or healthy.

n. a slow-growing perennial plant of the Araliaceae family, valued for its medicinal properties and used in traditional herbal medicine. Often consumed as a tonic to improve vitality and reduce stress.

Examples

“He drinks ginseng tea to help him stay awake.”

“Many people take ginseng supplements during the winter months to boost their immune systems and energy levels.”

“While traditionally associated with East Asian medicine, ginseng has gained global popularity as a natural adaptogen, purported to help the body resist physical and mental stress.”

Examples

simple

“He drinks ginseng tea to help him stay awake.”

contextual

“Many people take ginseng supplements during the winter months to boost their immune systems and energy levels.”

complex

“While traditionally associated with East Asian medicine, ginseng has gained global popularity as a natural adaptogen, purported to help the body resist physical and mental stress.”

Real-World Examples

“Centuries later, many Chinese families worldwide still simmer bones with medicinal herbs such as goji berries and ginseng to produce nutrient-rich soups, served before or after dinner to help support overall health.”
BBC Travel · 5 Mar 2026

Etymology

Borrowed from Hokkien 人參 /人参 (jîn-sim, “ginseng”). Doublet of ninzin.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference