fennel

noun

fen·​nel ˈfe-nᵊl 

1

: a perennial Eurasian herb (Foeniculum vulgare) that has clusters of small yellow flowers and aromatic leaves and seeds and includes several cultivated forms: such as

a

: one (F. vulgare var. dulce) grown especially for its edible leaves and seeds that are used as a seasoning

b

: florence fennel

2

: the edible parts (such as the seeds and leaves) of fennel

Did you know?

A perennial aromatic herb of the parsley family, fennel is native to southern Europe and Asia Minor and cultivated in the US, Britain, and temperate areas of Eurasia. The blanched shoots are eaten as a vegetable. The greenish brown to yellowish brown oblong-oval seeds smell and taste similar to anise. The seeds and extracted oil are used for scenting soaps and perfumes and for flavoring candies, liqueurs, medicines, and foods, particularly pastries, sweet pickles, and fish.

Examples of fennel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There will be an oyster pan roast, fluke milanese with shiso and fennel salad, cacio e pepe spear squid, and charred sardine toast with piquillo relish. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 30 Sep. 2024

Essential oils: Massage therapy with lavender, peppermint, rose, or fennel oil may reduce period symptoms like cramping pain. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 23 July 2024

Mary Sue Milliken’s Fennel And Herb Grilled Ribs Chef Mary Sue Milliken rubs pork ribs with lots of herbs and fennel seeds before slow-cooking them on the grill and brushing them with a balsamic vinegar glaze. —Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2024

Wild fennel grew along the shoulder; Leibow harvested some fronds to chew on. —Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fenel, from Old English finugl, from Vulgar Latin *fenuculum, from Latin feniculum fennel, irregular diminutive of fenum hay

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fennel

• dog fennel
• Florence fennel

Kids Definition

fennel

noun

fen·​nel ˈfen-ᵊl 

: a garden plant related to the carrot that is grown for its fragrant seeds and needle-shaped leaflets

Medical Definition

fennel

noun

fen·​nel ˈfen-ᵊl 

: a perennial European herb (Foeniculum vulgare) of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) introduced into North America and cultivated for its aromatic seeds and its foliage