sambuca UK /samˈbʊkə/US /sæmˈbukə/noun 1/sæmˈb(j)ukə/ noun 2forms 2 noun1 •An Italian liqueur made from elderberries and flavoured with licorice, traditionally served with 3 coffee beans that represent health, wealth and fortune (or past, present and future). sambuca UK /samˈbjuːkə/US /sæmˈb(j)ukə/ noun2 •(historical) An ancient form of triangular harp having a very sharp, shrill tone. •(historical) An ancient type of ship-borne siege engine. formssambucae · sambucas