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

You can also infuse your espresso with star anise to make a non-alcoholic Sambuca or amp up the sweetness by scraping in a whole vanilla bean.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2026

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

Owen: Sourced from the Wahluke Slope AVA in Washington, this 2021 blend reveals juicy black currants, tar and anise notes on the palate, alongside a soft mouthfeel.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

When he let go, a tiny star anise danced in her palm.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton