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
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Toss quickly, then add star anise, cinnamon stick and orange pieces.
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Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
Black Crown Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black plum, red cherry, star anise, and lavender.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 6 July 2025
Complex tertiary aromas of orange peel, leather, star anise, herbs and black pepper.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
The second part of developing the recipe was crafting the chai masala, or spice blend, which includes black pepper, cardamom, star anise, and mace, among other spices.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
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Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
Black Crown Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black plum, red cherry, star anise, and lavender.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 6 July 2025
Complex tertiary aromas of orange peel, leather, star anise, herbs and black pepper.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
The second part of developing the recipe was crafting the chai masala, or spice blend, which includes black pepper, cardamom, star anise, and mace, among other spices.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for star anise
Cite this Entry
“Star anise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star%20anise. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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