liquorice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “liquorice” mean?
The dried root of a plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) used as a flavouring, or the black chewy confectionery flavoured with it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The dried root of a plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) used as a flavouring, or the black chewy confectionery flavoured with it.
The plant Glycyrrhiza glabra itself, a legume native to Eurasia, or its root, which yields the sweet-tasting extract; by extension, the characteristic flavour or a product (e.g., candy) possessing it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'liquorice' (UK) vs. 'licorice' (US) is the primary distinction. Both spellings are understood in both regions.
Connotations
The word primarily evokes the taste or specific type of sweet/candy. In the UK, 'liquorice' often implies softer, black varieties (e.g., Pontefract cakes), while in the US, 'licorice' can refer to both the black type and red, fruit-flavoured twists (though these don't contain real licorice).
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects, associated with sweets/candy, herbal remedies, and flavour descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “liquorice” in a Sentence
[Adj] + liquoriceliquorice + [Noun]taste of + liquoriceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liquorice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not commonly used as a verb.
American English
- Not commonly used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The cake had a distinct liquorice note.
- She prefers liquorice-flavoured tea.
American English
- The ropes were a dark, licorice black.
- I find licorice candy too sweet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of confectionery manufacturing, import/export of herbs, or food flavourings.
Academic
Found in botany, pharmacology (for its medicinal properties), and culinary arts texts.
Everyday
Most common when discussing sweets/candy, flavours in food/drink, or herbal teas.
Technical
Referenced in phytochemistry (glycyrrhizin), horticulture, and food science for its extract.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liquorice”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liquorice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liquorice”
- Misspelling as 'liquourice' (double 'u') or 'lickorice'. Confusing the flavour with aniseed, which is similar but from a different plant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Liquorice' is the traditional British English spelling, while 'licorice' is the common American English spelling.
Real liquorice root has a sweet, slightly bitter, and earthy flavour, distinct from the often-imitated aniseed taste found in many sweets.
Yes, consuming large amounts of real liquorice (containing glycyrrhizin) over time can lead to high blood pressure and low potassium levels. Moderation is advised.
Typically, no. Most red 'licorice' candies are fruit-flavoured (like strawberry) and do not contain any liquorice root extract; they simply borrow the name from the shape and texture of the original black candy.
The dried root of a plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) used as a flavouring, or the black chewy confectionery flavoured with it.
Liquorice is usually informal to neutral in register.
Liquorice: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk(ə)rɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪkərɪʃ/ or /ˈlɪk(ə)rɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As black as liquorice”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LIQUORice has a 'QU' like 'liquid'—think of the sweet, dark liquid extract from the root.
Conceptual Metaphor
SWEETNESS IS A ROOT (embedded, natural source of flavour).
Practice
Quiz
Which spelling is primarily used in British English?