What does juice mean?
Juice is the liquid extracted from fruit, vegetables, or other plant material and commonly served as a drink or used in cooking. The noun also denotes the moisture naturally present in meat or other foods and can informally mean electrical power, money, or influence. As a verb, juice can mean to extract or provide liquid, while in informal contexts it means to make something livelier, more attractive, or more effective. These meanings are familiar in British and American English, although the figurative uses are generally casual. Juicy is the related adjective describing fruit, food, or a person who is attractive and full of energy. The word derives from Old French juis from Latin sucus, ‘juice or sap’, and is etymologically related to suck, suckle, and suction. Its range from everyday food language to lively informal metaphors makes it a useful example of how common words acquire several related senses.
The liquid extracted from fruit, vegetables, or other plant material, especially when used as a drink or cooking ingredient; by extension, the liquid naturally occurring in food or, informally, power, money, or influence.
"The café serves a selection of fresh fruit juices."
The literal meanings are neutral and common in both British and American English; the meanings involving power, money, and influence are informal.
To extract or provide liquid; informally, to make something livelier, more attractive, or more effective.
"They juiced up the presentation with bold colors and striking graphics."
The informal, figurative use is usually associated with visual, creative, or promotional material.
The plural is regular and is used for different kinds or servings of juice.
"The menu offers several fresh juices."
The word ‘juice’ belongs to the same ancient root as ‘suck’, a fitting connection for something once pressed from fruit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does juice come from?
English juice comes through Middle English and Old French juis from Latin sucus, ‘juice’ or ‘sap’. The Latin word belongs to an ancient root also associated with suck, suckle, and suction. French culinary jus is a cognate borrowing from the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How juice is actually used
The word is standard in both British and American English. Its figurative meanings, such as referring to power, money, or influence, are generally informal; the verb meaning ‘make more lively or effective’ is especially casual.
Easily confused with juice
Juice is usually a drinkable or cooking liquid, whereas sauce is a thicker liquid or paste served as an accompaniment.