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

Gift bags were shared at the end of the night with swag from the museum, a gift from the popular South Asian retail brand One Minute Saree, and fennel sees used as South Asian mints from the Pakistani CPG company Paro. —Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025

It can be used as a sauce for grain bowls featuring brown rice, spelt, oats, or barley; over legumes such as chickpeas, peas, and beans; and on roasted or steamed vegetables such as fennel, sweet potatoes, or squash. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 31 May 2025

Fennel Like zinnias, fennel attracts many beneficial pollinators to the garden. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025

Combine the radicchio and fennel on a shallow platter, drizzle with the dressing and toss. —Kristen Tauer, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for fennel

• chenille
• henle
• kennel
• antennal
• departmental

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