Search Dictionary
Definition of sambuca

sambuca

/sæmˈbuːkə/
sam · bu · ca
Plural:sambucas
JUMP TO:

sambuca Lexical Profile

sambuca Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A sweet, typically colorless Italian liqueur flavored with essential oils from star anise and sometimes elderberry or licorice, traditionally served neat with three roasted coffee beans.

Example

"After dinner at the trattoria, the waiter brought us espresso and small glasses of sambuca."

2

An ancient Greek and Roman triangular stringed instrument similar to a small harp, noted for its high, shrill pitch.

Example

"In classical antiquity, the sambuca was played during festive banquets and theatrical performances."

• Rhymes for sambuca

• Nearby Words

samba
sambal
sambar
sambuca
sambucus
same
sameness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Italian sambuca, traditionally linked to Latin sambucus (elderberry) or the ancient Greek musical instrument sambyke, though the modern liqueur owes its licorice flavor primarily to star anise rather than elderflowers.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sambuca. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sambuca
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.