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

Example Sentences

Tarragon has a subtle anise, fennel-like flavor, and its leaves are slender and softer than other herbs.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2025

Timothy Sharp, manager of Sparrow Coffee House in Cardiff, makes his own homemade syrup, adding spices like cloves, cardamom and star anise to the core PSL ingredients of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2024

It’s too bad, because from what I’ve found, there is no reliable catnip equivalent for dogs, although you can give anise a try.

From Slate • Aug. 11, 2024

While each jar contains a spicy crimson sediment under oil, some have the sweetness of star anise, while others are deepened with tiny dried shrimp or fried shallots.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2024

Flowering myrtle crept up its sides and the wild anise perfumed the air about it.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck