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

This lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer is packed with vitamin E, squalane, shea butter, sea fennel, and aloe vera, leaving skin soft, supple, and hydrated from morning to night. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

This votive is a mix of eucalyptus and sandalwood along with Szechuan pepper and fennel to make your space feel fresh and inviting this season. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

So racy on the silky palate, it is accented by foresty and coastal notes of wild fennel and bay leaf. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 2025

Classically a martini-like mix of gin, vodka and dry vermouth, Hawks pumps up the botanical notes in the gin by infusing it with toasted fennel and olive oil, imparting a subtle sweetness and a gentle tingle that lingers on the back palate. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 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 (Apiaceae) introduced into North America and cultivated for its aromatic seeds and its foliage