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

Her love of New Orleans and its robust Vietnamese community has inspired her to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey meat and bones to make a twist on pho—a deeply savory Vietnamese soup that gets its comforting flavor from broth fortified with fresh ginger, garlic, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

In a large Dutch oven or pot set over medium-high heat, add the crushed cardamom pods, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cloves and star anise. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

The spirit has strong notes of star anise and caraway, with a range of holiday spices. —Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

For a finishing touch disperse cinnamon sticks, star anise, and mini pumpkins throughout the board. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for star anise

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