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

This basil variety with a slight anise scent resists flowering in hot weather. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026

Sprawling communal tables adorned with floral arrangements allowed guests to mingle and connect as dinner service began with a stunning amuse-bouche of crispy nori with daikon tartare, maple vinaigrette, and hoja santa—an herb with a complex flavor reminiscent of licorice and anise. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Some of the plants that will attract hummingbirds include cuphea, cardinals, coral honeysuckle, beebalm, blue anise sage and Texas or scarlet sage. —Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 Feb. 2026

Heiduk’s secret weapon for French onion soup—and many other dishes—is Pernod, a type of French anise liqueur. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026

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 Apiaceae having carminative and aromatic seeds

also : aniseed