anise

American  

[an-is] / ˈæn ɪs /

noun

1. a Mediterranean plant, Pimpinella anisum, of the parsley family, having loose umbrels of small yellowish-white flowers that yield aniseed.

2. aniseed.

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anise British  

/ ˈænɪs /

noun

1. a Mediterranean umbelliferous plant, Pimpinella anisum, having clusters of small yellowish-white flowers and liquorice-flavoured seeds See aniseed

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Other Word Forms

• anisic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of anise

1350–1400; Middle English anis < Old French < Latin anīsum < Greek ánīson

Explanation

Anise is a plant that produces seeds that smell and taste like black licorice. Cookies, vegetables, and liqueurs can all be flavored with anise. The anise plant produces white flowers and small fruits or seeds. It's the seeds that are used, whole or ground, to flavor various foods — in fact, anise is often referred to as aniseed. Anise itself is an Old English word, from the 13th century Old French anis and ultimately the Greek root anison, which confusingly means both anise and "dill."

Example Sentences

Anise, coriander and other flavorings lent a subtle complexity to the “special soy sauce” set out on the tables.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2025

Anise hyssop is the secret ingredient for many chefs when creating savory recipes that require a touch of sweetness or dessert dishes that benefit from sophisticated aromas.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2024

Other offerings there sound like a warm hug in gelid form: Jasmine Milk Tea laced with chocolate-coated almond slivers, or Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 13, 2023

Anise Ganbold, senior analyst at Aurora Energy Research, said lowering the price of gas by moving away from or reforming the TTF could have unintended consequences, reducing incentives to increase gas supply or reduce consumption.

From Reuters • Sep. 29, 2022

Is it Anise, sitting tall like always, yelling at anyone who gets too close?

From "Hurricane Child" by Kheryn Callender