anise

noun

an·​ise ˈa-nəs 

 also  ə-ˈnēs

: a Eurasian annual herb (Pimpinella anisum) of the carrot family having carminative and aromatic seeds

also : aniseed

Examples of anise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Peychaud’s Bitters, all cherry and anise as opposed to Angostura Bitters’ cinnamon and clove, combines with the herbal pop of absinthe and the spicy backbone of the rye to create something wholly new. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025

Typically flavored with anise, orange zest, and orange blossom water, the round loaves are traditionally adorned with pieces of dough in the shape of crossbones and are often dusted with sugar. —Luisa Navarro, Saveur, 23 Oct. 2025

Sharp bright apples amplify the mellow anise notes of fennel to give the rich thighs a lift. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025

The 2025 edition features intense aromas of green and roasted agave, with vegetal notes of jalapeño peppers, anise, and mint, along with a subtle wet stone minerality. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English anis, from Anglo-French, from Latin anisum, from Greek annēson, anison

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing anise

• star anise

Rhymes for anise

• anas
• canis
• manis
• mannose
• stannous
• calanus
• johannes

Kids Definition

anise

noun

an·​ise ˈan-əs 

: an herb that is related to the carrot and produces seeds with an aroma

also : aniseed

Medical Definition

anise

noun

an·​ise ˈan-əs 

: an herb (Pimpinella anisum) of the family Umbelliferae having carminative and aromatic seeds

also : aniseed