chicory

noun

chic·o·ry ˈchi-k(ə-)rē

variants or less commonly chickory

plural chicories also chickories

: a thick-rooted usually blue-flowered European perennial composite herb (Cichorium intybus) widely grown for its roots and as a salad plant compare belgian endive, radicchio

: the dried ground roasted root of chicory used to flavor or adulterate coffee

Examples of chicory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Vegetables, like chicory, plus artichokes and potatoes, are braised in extra-virgin olive oil. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026 The majority of the factory had been converted during the late war years to manufacture the ersatz coffee, made of roasted grain, sugar beet shavings, and chicory, which was drunk by the American POWs and ordinary Dresdeners as well. — Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026 Add a can of white beans for heft and serve with peppery greens like arugula or a hardy chicory like radicchio. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026 Rather than loading up on sugar and additives, the recipe centers on compounds tied to winding down, including L-theanine, magnesium, lemon balm, chamomile and chicory root fiber. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chicory

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English cicoree, from Anglo-French, from Latin cichoreum, from Greek kichoreia

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of chicory was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Chicory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chicory. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chicory

noun

chic·o·ry ˈchik-(ə-)rē

plural chicories

: a thick-rooted usually blue-flowered European herb related to the daisies and grown for its roots and as a salad plant

also : its dried ground roasted root that is sometimes added to coffee

chicory

noun

Examples of chicory in a Sentence

Word History

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