# licorice

/ˈɫɪkɝɪʃ/ (US) · /lˈɪkɔːɹɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/licorice
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the candy

noun · CEFR B2

a firm, black or red candy with a very strong, sweet, and unique taste.

For teachers: a confectionery product flavoured with the extract of the licorice root, typically characterized by its chewy texture and distinct, pungent sweetness.

- Some people love the strong taste of black licorice, but others hate it.
- The artisanal shop specialized in traditional salty licorice, a variety that is particularly popular in Nordic countries.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the substance; countable when referring to individual pieces of the candy.

### 2. the plant or flavouring

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a plant with roots that are used to give a sweet flavour to food, drinks, or medicine.

For teachers: the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra or the extract derived from it, used as a flavouring agent in tobacco, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

- The herbal tea contains licorice root to help soothe a sore throat.
- Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound significantly sweeter than sucrose that is often utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Teaching tip: In British English, the spelling 'liquorice' is standard, whereas 'licorice' is the preferred American English spelling.

### 3. the colour

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a very dark, shiny black colour like the candy.

For teachers: a deep, glossy black hue resembling the appearance of processed black confectionery.

- The new sports car was painted a sleek, shiny licorice.
- The designer chose a licorice palette for the evening wear collection, aiming for a sophisticated, high-gloss aesthetic.

## Examples

- He prefers the natural licorice root over the candy.
- The herbalist recommended licorice to help soothe the patient's sore throat and reduce inflammation.
- While the candy version is intensely sweet, the raw licorice root contains compounds that can actually lower blood pressure when consumed in large quantities over a long period.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.