star anise

noun

: the small brown star-shaped pungent fruit of a Chinese and Vietnamese tree (Illicium verum) that has a flavor similar to but stronger than anise and is dried and used whole or ground as a spice especially in Chinese cooking

Examples of star anise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Buffalo Trace rye whiskey sweetened with root beer syrup gains depth and a touch of medicinal spice from star anise, making for a playful soda fountain take on the classic. —Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

While star anise tea is generally safe for most adults, it should not be given to babies or young children. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025

With notes of plum, black currant and star anise, and packaging that seamlessly matches the Epo top, even wine connoisseurs may want to try a glass. —Emily Earlenbaugh, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Pho is a classic Vietnamese dish, traditionally made with a deeply savory beef broth infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, and served with rice noodles, herbs, and thin slices of meat. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for star anise

• calanus
• johannes
• anas
• canis
• manis
• mannose
• stannous