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

Other musts in the cocooning space are the 90-minute full-body scrub with Sicilian raw sea salt, sweet fennel and rosemary in the hammam, the futuristic energy hack with PEMF, hypervolt and LED face masks, and body toning sessions using Biologique Recherche. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

Toss potatoes, carrots, fennel, garlic, rosemary, 1 tablespoon oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl, and then spread in a single layer on rimmed baking sheet. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

After all, being able to add a drizzle of fennel pollen olive oil onto forthcoming charcuterie boards and a splash of rosé wine vinegar into salad dressings will be the gift that keeps on giving past the holidays. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 Mar. 2026

Take the Poisson En Papillote, a bundle of white fish that cooks with sliced fennel, zucchini ribbons, lemon, and butter. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

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 (Apiaceae) introduced into North America and cultivated for its aromatic seeds and its foliage